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Lagrange J, Ahmed MU, Arnone D, Lacolley P, Regnault V, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Denis CV. Implications of von Willebrand Factor in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Beyond Bleeding and Thrombosis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024:izae142. [PMID: 38960879 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izae142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) displays an increased venous and arterial thrombotic risk despite the common occurrence of intestinal bleeding. While some of the mechanisms leading to these thrombotic complications have been studied, other specific changes in the hemostasis profile of IBD patients have been less explored. One such example relates to von Willebrand factor (VWF) whose plasma levels have been reported to be modulated in IBD. Von Willebrand factor is a plasma glycoprotein crucial for hemostatic functions via roles both in platelet function and coagulation. High plasma VWF is a known risk factor for venous thromboembolism. In addition to its canonical roles in hemostasis, VWF is known to be directly or indirectly involved in other vascular processes such as maintenance of endothelial barrier integrity or proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. The purpose of this review is to recapitulate and update the existing data about VWF biology in IBD and to highlight its role both in the existing procoagulant phenotype and in vascular alterations that may occur in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lagrange
- Université de Lorraine, INSERM, DCAC, Nancy, France
- CHRU Nancy, IHU INFINY, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | - Djésia Arnone
- Université de Lorraine, INSERM, NGERE, IHU INFINY, Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Université de Lorraine, INSERM, NGERE, IHU INFINY, Nancy, France
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHRU Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Groupe Hospitalier privé Ambroise Paré - Hartmann, Paris IBD center, Neuilly sur Seine, France
| | - Cécile V Denis
- HITh, UMR_S1176, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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2
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Tekavec E, Nilsson T, Dahlin LB, Huynh E, Axmon A, Nordander C, Riddar J, Kåredal M. Serum biomarkers in patients with hand-arm vibration injury and in controls. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2719. [PMID: 38302542 PMCID: PMC10834969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52782-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hand-arm vibration injury is a well-known occupational disorder that affects many workers globally. The diagnosis is based mainly on quantitative psychophysical tests and medical history. Typical manifestations of hand-arm vibration injury entail episodes of finger blanching, Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and sensorineural symptoms from affected nerve fibres and mechanoreceptors in the skin. Differences in serum levels of 17 different biomarkers between 92 patients with hand-arm vibration injury and 51 controls were analysed. Patients with hand-arm vibration injury entailing RP and sensorineural manifestations showed elevated levels of biomarkers associated with endothelial injury or dysfunction, inflammation, vaso- or neuroprotective compensatory, or apoptotic mechanisms: intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1); thrombomodulin (TM), heat shock protein 27 (HSP27); von Willebrand factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and caspase-3. This study adds important knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms that can contribute to the implementation of a more objective method for diagnosis of hand-arm vibration injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tekavec
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Tohr Nilsson
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lars B Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine-Hand Surgery, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Huynh
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Skåne, 223 63, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Axmon
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catarina Nordander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jakob Riddar
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Monica Kåredal
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Skåne, 223 63, Lund, Sweden
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Matucci-Cerinic M, Romano E, Manetti M. Current Trends in Vascular Biomarkers for Systemic Sclerosis: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044097. [PMID: 36835506 PMCID: PMC9965592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a multifaceted rare connective tissue disease whose pathogenesis is dominated by immune dysregulation, small vessel vasculopathy, impaired angiogenesis, and both cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Microvascular impairment represents the initial event of the disease, preceding fibrosis by months or years and accounting for the main disabling and/or life-threatening clinical manifestations, including telangiectasias, pitting scars, periungual microvascular abnormalities (e.g., giant capillaries, hemorrhages, avascular areas, ramified/bushy capillaries) clinically detectable by nailfold videocapillaroscopy, ischemic digital ulcers, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis. Despite a variety of available treatment options, treatment of SSc-related vascular disease remains problematic, even considering SSc etherogenity and the quite narrow therapeutic window. In this context, plenty of studies have highlighted the great usefulness in clinical practice of vascular biomarkers allowing clinicians to assess the evolution of the pathological process affecting the vessels, as well as to predict the prognosis and the response to therapy. The current narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of the main candidate vascular biomarkers that have been proposed for SSc, focusing on their main reported associations with characteristic clinical vascular features of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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4
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ABO Blood Groups in Systemic Sclerosis: Distribution and Association with This Disease's Characteristics. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010148. [PMID: 36614946 PMCID: PMC9821217 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with endothelial activation and fibrosis. Non-O blood group patients carry an increased risk of thrombosis, fibrosis and autoimmune diseases. The aim of our work was to evaluate the distribution of ABO groups in SSc patients and their association with the disease's characteristics. ABO groups were determined in 504 SSc patients (with 131 completed by a genotypic analysis). The distribution of ABO groups and their diplotypes in SSc patients was comparable to that of the general population, except for haplotypes O1 and B (65.6% vs. 61.6% and 8.8% vs. 5.8% in SSc patients vs. the general population, respectively, p = 0.01). The frequency of interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, calcinosis, digital ulcers, digestive diseases and venous thrombosis, and the Medsger score, were higher in non-O than in O-SSc patients, although they did not display statistical significance. Patients in the non-O group had higher levels of inflammation and endothelial activation biomarkers. In conclusion, the ABO blood group distribution of SSc patients did not differ significantly from that of the general population, but non-O blood groups were associated with inflammation and endothelial activation, and with a non-significant higher frequency of pulmonary and vascular complications in SSc.
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Lelas A, Greinix HT, Wolff D, Eissner G, Pavletic SZ, Pulanic D. Von Willebrand Factor, Factor VIII, and Other Acute Phase Reactants as Biomarkers of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676756. [PMID: 33995421 PMCID: PMC8119744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is an immune mediated late complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Discovery of adequate biomarkers could identify high-risk patients and provide an effective pre-emptive intervention or early modification of therapeutic strategy, thus reducing prevalence and severity of the disease among long-term survivors of alloHSCT. Inflammation, endothelial injury, and endothelial dysfunction are involved in cGvHD development. Altered levels of acute phase reactants have shown a strong correlation with the activity of several immune mediated disorders and are routinely used in clinical practice. Since elevated von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) levels have been described as acute phase reactants that may indicate endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in different settings, including chronic autoimmune diseases, they could serve as potential candidate biomarkers of cGvHD. In this review we focused on reported data regarding VWF and FVIII as well as other markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, evaluating their potential role in cGvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonela Lelas
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Daniel Wolff
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Günther Eissner
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Steven Zivko Pavletic
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Drazen Pulanic
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Utsunomiya A, Oyama N, Hasegawa M. Potential Biomarkers in Systemic Sclerosis: A Literature Review and Update. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3388. [PMID: 33105647 PMCID: PMC7690387 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by dysregulation of the immune system, vascular damage, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Patients with SSc show a heterogeneous phenotype and a range of clinical courses. Therefore, biomarkers that are helpful for precise diagnosis, prediction of clinical course, and evaluation of the therapeutic responsiveness of disease are required in clinical practice. SSc-specific autoantibodies are currently used for diagnosis and prediction of clinical features, as other biomarkers have not yet been fully vetted. Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein-D (SP-D), and CCL18 have been considered as serum biomarkers of SSc-related interstitial lung disease. Moreover, levels of circulating brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can provide diagnostic information and indicate the severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Assessment of several serum/plasma cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and other molecules may also reflect the activity or progression of fibrosis and vascular involvement in affected organs. Recently, microRNAs have also been implicated as possible circulating indicators of SSc. In this review, we focus on several potential SSc biomarkers and discuss their clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Divison of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; (A.U.); (N.O.)
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Peng H, Wu X, Wen Y, Li C, Lin J, Li J, Xiong S, Zhong R, Liang H, Cheng B, Liu J, He J, Liang W. Association between systemic sclerosis and risk of lung cancer: results from a pool of cohort studies and Mendelian randomization analysis. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102633. [PMID: 32801043 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-based cohort studies have indicated that systemic sclerosis (SSc) may be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. However, there are few studies that comprehensively investigate their correlation and the causal effect remains unknown. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase from the inception dates to December 1, 2019 was carried out. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding gender. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was carried out with summary data from published genome-wide association studies of SSc (Neale Lab, 3871 individuals; UK Biobank, 463,315 individuals) and lung cancer (International Lung Cancer Consortium, 27,209 individuals; UK Biobank, 508,977 individuals). Study-specific estimates were summarized using inverse variance-weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger method. RESULTS Through meta-analysis of 10 population-based cohort studies involving 12,218 patients, we observed a significantly increased risk of lung cancer among patients with SSc (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.55-5.03). In accordance with subgroup analysis, male patients (OR 4.11, 95% CI 1.92-8.79) had a 1.5-fold higher lung cancer risk compared with female patients (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.41-5.27). However, using a score of 11 SSc-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (p < 5*10-8) as instrumental variables, the MR study did not support a causality between SSc and lung cancer (OR 1.001, 95% CI 0.929-1.100, p = 0.800). Specifically, subgroup MR analyses indicated that SSc was not associated with increased risks of non-small-cell lung cancer (OR 1.000, 95% CI 0.999-1.000, p = 0.974), including lung adenocarcinoma (OR 0.996, 95% CI 0.906-1.094, p = 0.927), squamous cell lung carcinoma (OR 1.034, 95% CI 0.937-1.140, p = 0.507), nor small-cell lung cancer (OR 1.000, 95% CI 0.999-1.000, p = 0.837). CONCLUSIONS This study indicated an increased risk of lung cancer among patients with SSc by meta-analysis, whereas the MR study did not support a causality between the two diseases. Further studies are warranted to investigate the factors underlying the attribution of SSc to lung cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxin Peng
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Nanshan School, Guangzhou Medical University, Jingxiu Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Xiangrong Wu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Nanshan School, Guangzhou Medical University, Jingxiu Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yaokai Wen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Nanshan School, Guangzhou Medical University, Jingxiu Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Caichen Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Lin
- Nanshan School, Guangzhou Medical University, Jingxiu Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jianfu Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hengrui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxing He
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenhua Liang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Surgery, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Saygin D, Highland KB, Tonelli AR. Microvascular involvement in systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Microcirculation 2019; 26:e12440. [PMID: 29323451 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular changes play central roles in the pathophysiology of SSc and SLE, and represent major causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Therefore, clinical tools that can assess the microvasculature are of great importance both at the time of diagnosis and follow-up of these cases. These tools include capillaroscopy, laser imaging techniques, infrared thermography, and iontophoresis. In this review, we examined the clinical manifestations and pathobiology of microvascular involvement in SSc and SLE as well as the methodologies used to evaluate the microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Saygin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kristin B Highland
- Department of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Adriano R Tonelli
- Department of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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García-Martín A, Garrido-Rodríguez M, Navarrete C, Caprioglio D, Palomares B, DeMesa J, Rollland A, Appendino G, Muñoz E. Cannabinoid derivatives acting as dual PPARγ/CB2 agonists as therapeutic agents for systemic sclerosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:321-334. [PMID: 30825431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play a role in the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Cannabinoids acting as dual PPARγ/CB2 agonists, such as VCE-004.8 and Ajulemic acid (AjA), have been shown to alleviate skin fibrosis and inflammation in SSc models. Since both compounds are being tested in humans, we compared their activities in the bleomycin (BLM) SSc model. Specifically, the pharmacotranscriptomic signature of the compounds was determined by RNA-Seq changes in the skin of BLM mice treated orally with AjA or EHP-101, a lipidic formulation of VCE-004.8. While both compounds down-regulated the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory and fibrotic components of the disease and the pharmacotranscriptomic signatures were similar for both compounds in some pathways, we found key differences between the compounds in vasculogenesis. Additionally, we found 28 specific genes with translation potential by comparing with a list of human scleroderma genes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that both compounds prevented fibrosis, collagen accumulation and Tenascin C (TNC) expression. The endothelial CD31+/CD34+ cells and telocytes were reduced in BLM mice and restored only by EHP-101 treatment. Finally, differences were found in plasmatic biomarker analysis; EHP-101, but not AjA, enhanced the expression of some factors related to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Altogether the results indicate that dual PPARγ/CB2 agonists qualify as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of SSc and other fibrotic diseases. EHP-101 demonstrated unique mechanisms of action related to the pathophysiology of SSc that could be beneficial in the treatment of this complex disease without current therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diego Caprioglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Belén Palomares
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Spain; Departament of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Spain; Universitary Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jim DeMesa
- Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Spain; Departament of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Spain; Universitary Hospital Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.
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10
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Apostolidis SA, Stifano G, Tabib T, Rice LM, Morse CM, Kahaleh B, Lafyatis R. Single Cell RNA Sequencing Identifies HSPG2 and APLNR as Markers of Endothelial Cell Injury in Systemic Sclerosis Skin. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2191. [PMID: 30327649 PMCID: PMC6174292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The mechanisms that lead to endothelial cell (EC) injury and propagate the vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) are not well understood. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), our goal was to identify EC markers and signature pathways associated with vascular injury in SSc skin. Methods: We implemented single cell sorting and subsequent RNA sequencing of cells isolated from SSc and healthy control skin. We used t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) to identify the various cell types. We performed pathway analysis using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Finally, we independently verified distinct markers using immunohistochemistry on skin biopsies and qPCR in primary ECs from SSc and healthy skin. Results: By combining the t-SNE analysis with the expression of known EC markers, we positively identified ECs among the sorted cells. Subsequently, we examined the differential expression profile between the ECs from healthy and SSc skin. Using GSEA and IPA analysis, we demonstrated that the SSc endothelial cell expression profile is enriched in processes associated with extracellular matrix generation, negative regulation of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Two of the top differentially expressed genes, HSPG2 and APLNR, were independently verified using immunohistochemistry staining and real-time qPCR analysis. Conclusion: ScRNA-seq, differential gene expression and pathway analysis revealed that ECs from SSc patients show a discrete pattern of gene expression associated with vascular injury and activation, extracellular matrix generation and negative regulation of angiogenesis. HSPG2 and APLNR were identified as two of the top markers of EC injury in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokratis A Apostolidis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lisa M Rice
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christina M Morse
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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11
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The Use of Phage Display and Yeast Based Expression System for the Development of a Von Willebrand Factor Propeptide Assay: Development of a Von Willebrand Factor Propeptide Assay. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6232091. [PMID: 29992156 PMCID: PMC5994315 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6232091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of von Willebrand disease is complex due to the heterogeneity of the disease. About eighty percent of von Willebrand disease patients are diagnosed with a quantitative defect of von Willebrand factor (VWF) where fifty percent is due to an increased clearance of von Willebrand factor. These patients do not respond well to the treatment of choice, Desmopressin (DDAVP) due to decreased efficacy. The ratio between the VWF propeptide and the mature VWF antigen is used to diagnose these patients. Commercial VWF propeptide assays are too expensive for use in developing countries. In this study, we developed a cost-effective ELISA assay. Methods We first displayed VWF propeptide on yeast. Antibody fragments were selected against the displayed VWF propeptide by using phage display technology. The antibodies were used to develop a cost-effective VWF propeptide assay and compared to a commercial VWF propeptide assay. Results Two of these antibody fragments bound specific to the VWF propeptide and not to the yeast used for the expression of the propeptides. These purified antibody fragments were able to detect VWF propeptide in normal plasma. Conclusion Our assay performed well when compared to a commercial kit. It also showed a higher binding affinity for VWF propeptide in plasma at especially lower plasma concentrations.
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12
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Hasegawa M. Biomarkers in systemic sclerosis: Their potential to predict clinical courses. J Dermatol 2017; 43:29-38. [PMID: 26782004 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of a biomarker was defined as "a characteristic marker that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention" by the National Institutes of Health Biomarkers Definitions Working group in 2001. Clinical features, disease progress, therapeutic response and prognosis are heterogeneous among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Therefore, biomarkers that can predict these matters are required for the progress of clinical practice. At present, SSc-specific autoantibodies are the most useful biomarkers for diagnosis and predicting clinical features. Otherwise, biomarkers specific only for SSc have not been identified yet. The glycoprotein krebs von den Lungen-6, surfactant protein-D and CCL18 are promising serum biomarkers of SSc-related interstitial lung diseases. Serum/plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide have been used as biomarkers for SSc-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. Other potential serum/plasma biomarkers for fibrosis and vascular involvement of SSc are connective tissue growth factor, interleukin-6, CCL2, CXCL4, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, P-selectin, vascular endothelial growth factor, von Willebrand factor, endostatin, endoglin and endothelin-1. In our multicenter prospective studies of Japanese early SSc, serum ICAM-1 levels were predictive for subsequent respiratory dysfunction and serum levels of CXCL8 and P-selectin were predictive for subsequent physical disability. Further large, multicenter, prospective, longitudinal studies will be needed to identify and validate critical biomarkers of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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Chia JJ, Zhu T, Chyou S, Dasoveanu DC, Carballo C, Tian S, Magro CM, Rodeo S, Spiera RF, Ruddle NH, McGraw TE, Browning JL, Lafyatis R, Gordon JK, Lu TT. Dendritic cells maintain dermal adipose-derived stromal cells in skin fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:4331-4345. [PMID: 27721238 DOI: 10.1172/jci85740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleroderma is a group of skin-fibrosing diseases for which there are no effective treatments. A feature of the skin fibrosis typical of scleroderma is atrophy of the dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT). Adipose tissue contains adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) that have regenerative and reparative functions; however, whether DWAT atrophy in fibrosis is accompanied by ADSC loss is poorly understood, as are the mechanisms that might maintain ADSC survival in fibrotic skin. Here, we have shown that DWAT ADSC numbers were reduced, likely because of cell death, in 2 murine models of scleroderma skin fibrosis. The remaining ADSCs showed a partial dependence on dendritic cells (DCs) for survival. Lymphotoxin β (LTβ) expression in DCs maintained ADSC survival in fibrotic skin by activating an LTβ receptor/β1 integrin (LTβR/β1 integrin) pathway on ADSCs. Stimulation of LTβR augmented the engraftment of therapeutically injected ADSCs, which was associated with reductions in skin fibrosis and improved skin function. These findings provide insight into the effects of skin fibrosis on DWAT ADSCs, identify a DC-ADSC survival axis in fibrotic skin, and suggest an approach for improving mesenchymal stromal cell therapy in scleroderma and other diseases.
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Meiring M, Allers W, Le Roux E. Tissue factor: A potent stimulator of Von Willebrand factor synthesis by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Int J Med Sci 2016; 13:759-764. [PMID: 27766025 PMCID: PMC5069411 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.15688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and dysfunction of endothelial cells are thought to be triggers for the secretion of Von Willebrand factor. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the coagulation factors, tissue factor and thrombin on the release and cleavage potential of ultra-large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) and its cleavage protease by cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were treated with IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, tissue factor (TF) and thrombin, and combinations thereof for 24 hours under static conditions. The cells were then exposed to shear stress after which the VWF-propeptide levels and the VWF cleavage protease, ADAMTS13 content were measured. All treatments and their combinations, excluding IL-6, significantly stimulated the secretion of VWF from HUVEC. The VWF secretion from the HUVEC was stimulated most by the combination of TF with TNF-α. Slightly lower levels of ADAMTS13 secretion were found with all treatments. This may explain the thrombogenicity of patients with inflammation where extremely high VWF levels and slightly lower ADAMTS13 levels are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Meiring
- Department of Haematology and Cell Biology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - W Allers
- Department of Haematology and Cell Biology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - E Le Roux
- Department of Haematology and Cell Biology, University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Abstract
von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric glycoprotein that mediates the attachment of platelets to damaged endothelium and also serves as the carrier protein for coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), protecting it from proteolytic degradation. Quantitative or qualitative defects in VWF result in von Willebrand disease (VWD), a common inherited bleeding disorder. VWF is synthesized with a very large propeptide (VWFpp) that is critical for intracellular processing of VWF. VWFpp actively participates in the process of VWF multimerization and is essential for trafficking of VWF to the regulated storage pathway. Mutations identified within VWFpp in VWD patients are associated with altered VWF structure and function. The assay of plasma VWFpp has clinical utility in assessing acute and chronic vascular perturbation associated with diseases such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, sepsis, and diabetes among others. VWFpp assay also has clear utility in the diagnosis of VWD subtypes, particularly in discriminating true type 3 subjects from type 1C (reduced plasma survival of VWF), which is clinically important and has implications for therapeutic treatment.
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Update on biomarkers in systemic sclerosis: tools for diagnosis and treatment. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 37:475-87. [PMID: 26168983 PMCID: PMC4554742 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease in which immune activation, vasculopathy, and extensive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs are among the principal features. SSc is a heterogeneous disease with varying manifestations and clinical outcomes. Currently, patients’ clinical evaluation often relies on subjective measures, non-quantitative methods, or requires invasive procedures as markers able to predict disease trajectory or response to therapy are lacking. Therefore, current research is focusing on the discovery of useful biomarkers reflecting ongoing inflammatory or fibrotic activity in the skin and internal organs, as well as being predictive of future disease course. Recently, remarkable progress has been made towards a better understanding of numerous mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SSc. This has opened new possibilities for the development of novel biomarkers and therapy. However, current proposed biomarkers that could reliably describe various aspects of SSc still require further investigation. This review will summarize studies describing the commonly used and validated biomarkers, the newly emerging and promising SSc biomarkers identified to date, and consideration of future directions in this field.
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Update on etiopathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA 2015; 53:516-24. [PMID: 24477730 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbr.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease of multifactorial etiology, triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its varied clinical expression results from the complex physiopathogenic interaction of three main elements: proliferative vasculopathy, immune dysregulation and abnormal deposition and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), of which the characteristic disease fibrosis is the result. Early physiopathogenic events appear to be endothelial injury and imbalance in vascular repair with the activation of endothelial cells, the immune system and platelets, with the release of multiple mediators such as TH2 proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors, triggering a sequence of simultaneous or cascading events that involve several intracellular signaling pathways. The most important result of these events is the hyperactivation of fibroblasts, the main effector cells of fibrosis, which will then produce large amounts of ECM constituents and secrete multiple growth factors and cytokines that perpetuate the process. In this article we review the main factors potentially involved in the etiology of SSc and reexamine the current knowledge about the most important mechanisms involved in the development of lesions that are characteristic of the disease. A better understanding of these physiopathogenic mechanisms will help identify potential therapeutic targets, which may result in advances in the management of this complex and debilitating disease.
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Marie I. [CXCL4: a new biomarker of diagnosis and severity in systemic sclerosis?]. Rev Med Interne 2014; 36:69-72. [PMID: 25458865 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Marie
- Département de médecine interne, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France.
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Silva I, Almeida J, Vasconcelos C. A PRISMA-driven systematic review for predictive risk factors of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients. Autoimmun Rev 2014; 14:140-52. [PMID: 25449678 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Vasculopathy has a major role in the pathogenesis and tissue injury in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is frequently the first clinical manifestation of SSc preceding by years other clinical manifestations. RP in SSc patients is frequent, often very severe and long lasting. The repeated bouts of RP lead to prolonged digital ischemia that may progress to digital ulceration or in extreme to critical digital ischemia with gangrene. Digital ulcers (DU) are a true burden for all patients. They are very painful, with a long and slow healing course, have high risk of infection and are extremely disabling. In adults, up to 40-50% of patients will experience at least one DU in the course of the disease and of these 31-71% will have recurrent ulcers. In order to try to identify predictive risk factors for DU in SSc patients, an extensive literature review was conducted, according to the guidelines proposed at the PRISMA statement. MEDLINE database (PubMed) and Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge platform were searched for articles published in peer-reviewed journals since 1990 with the last search run on June 2014 and published in English language. The keyword search terms included: digital ulcer/s, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, digital scars, ischemic complications, autoantibodies, biomarkers, endothelium dysfunction, endothelin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endostatin, ADMA, endoglin, angiostatin, and capillaroscopy. The following criteria were included: (1) cohorts of SSc patients including patients with DU, (2) endothelium dysfunction and angiogenesis biomarkers compared with a healthy control group, (3) autoantibodies, capillary morphology and distribution, endothelium dysfunction and angiogenesis biomarkers compared between patients with and without digital ulcers, (4) detailed description of the statistical methods used to conclude for predictive factors, and (5) English language. Our search provided a total of 376 citations. Of these, 297 studies were discarded for not meeting the criteria proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Silva
- Angiology and Vascular Surgery and Clinical Imunology Unit, Hospital Santo António, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal.
| | - J Almeida
- Internal Medicine Service, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - C Vasconcelos
- Clinical Imunology Unit, Hospital Santo António, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal; UMIB, ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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van Bon L, Affandi AJ, Broen J, Christmann RB, Marijnissen RJ, Stawski L, Farina GA, Stifano G, Mathes AL, Cossu M, York M, Collins C, Wenink M, Huijbens R, Hesselstrand R, Saxne T, DiMarzio M, Wuttge D, Agarwal SK, Reveille JD, Assassi S, Mayes M, Deng Y, Drenth JPH, de Graaf J, den Heijer M, Kallenberg CGM, Bijl M, Loof A, van den Berg WB, Joosten LAB, Smith V, de Keyser F, Scorza R, Lunardi C, van Riel PLCM, Vonk M, van Heerde W, Meller S, Homey B, Beretta L, Roest M, Trojanowska M, Lafyatis R, Radstake TRDJ. Proteome-wide analysis and CXCL4 as a biomarker in systemic sclerosis. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:433-43. [PMID: 24350901 PMCID: PMC4040466 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1114576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmacytoid dendritic cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis through mechanisms beyond the previously suggested production of type I interferon. METHODS We isolated plasmacytoid dendritic cells from healthy persons and from patients with systemic sclerosis who had distinct clinical phenotypes. We then performed proteome-wide analysis and validated these observations in five large cohorts of patients with systemic sclerosis. Next, we compared the results with those in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, and hepatic fibrosis. We correlated plasma levels of CXCL4 protein with features of systemic sclerosis and studied the direct effects of CXCL4 in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Proteome-wide analysis and validation showed that CXCL4 is the predominant protein secreted by plasmacytoid dendritic cells in systemic sclerosis, both in circulation and in skin. The mean (±SD) level of CXCL4 in patients with systemic sclerosis was 25,624±2652 pg per milliliter, which was significantly higher than the level in controls (92.5±77.9 pg per milliliter) and than the level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (1346±1011 pg per milliliter), ankylosing spondylitis (1368±1162 pg per milliliter), or liver fibrosis (1668±1263 pg per milliliter). CXCL4 levels correlated with skin and lung fibrosis and with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Among chemokines, only CXCL4 predicted the risk and progression of systemic sclerosis. In vitro, CXCL4 down-regulated expression of transcription factor FLI1, induced markers of endothelial-cell activation, and potentiated responses of toll-like receptors. In vivo, CXCL4 induced the influx of inflammatory cells and skin transcriptome changes, as in systemic sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS Levels of CXCL4 were elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis and correlated with the presence and progression of complications, such as lung fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. (Funded by the Dutch Arthritis Association and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenny van Bon
- The authors' affiliations are listed in the Appendix
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Mathes AL, Christmann RB, Stifano G, Affandi AJ, Radstake TRDJ, Farina GA, Padilla C, McLaughlin S, Lafyatis R. Global chemokine expression in systemic sclerosis (SSc): CCL19 expression correlates with vascular inflammation in SSc skin. Ann Rheum Dis 2013; 73:1864-72. [PMID: 23873879 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-202814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise global chemokine expression in systemic sclerosis (SSc) skin in order to better understand the relationship between chemokine expression and vascular inflammation in this disease. METHODS We investigated chemokine mRNA expression in the skin through quantitative PCR analysis comparing patients with diffuse cutaneous (dcSSc) or limited cutaneous (lcSSc) disease with healthy controls. We tested correlations between the most regulated chemokines and vascular inflammation and macrophage recruitment. CCL19 expression was examined in human primary immune cells treated with innate immune activators. RESULTS The chemokines, CCL18, CCL19 and CXCL13, were upregulated in dcSSc skin, and CCL18 in lcSSc skin. Expression of CCL19 in dcSSc skin correlated with markers of vascular inflammation and macrophage recruitment. Immunofluorescence data showed CCL19 colocalisation with CD163 macrophages in dcSSc skin. In vitro studies on human primary cells demonstrated that CCL19 expression was induced after toll-like receptor activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and separated populations of CD14 monocytes. CONCLUSIONS CCL18, CCL19 and CXCL13-chemoattractants for macrophage and T cell recruitment-were three of six chemokines with the highest expression in dcSSc skin. Increased CCL19 expression in the skin suggests a role for CCL19 in the recruitment of immune cells to the peripheral tissue. Induction of CCL19 in macrophages but not structural cells indicates a role for skin-resident or recruited immune cells in perivascular inflammation. This study demonstrates that CCL19 is a sensitive marker for the perivascular inflammation and immune cell recruitment seen in dcSSc skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Mathes
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Romy B Christmann
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Giuseppina Stifano
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alsya J Affandi
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - G Alessandra Farina
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cristina Padilla
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah McLaughlin
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Rheumatology Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Caron M, Hudson M, Baron M, Nessim S, Steele R. Longitudinal study of renal function in systemic sclerosis. J Rheumatol 2012; 39:1829-34. [PMID: 22859351 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.111417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of renal disease and the course of renal function over time in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS We performed a multicenter, longitudinal study of 561 patients with SSc followed in the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry. Renal function was measured by the estimated creatinine clearance rate (eCcr) using the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Longitudinal changes in renal function were modeled using statistical analyses that adjusted for patient dropout. RESULTS Among the study subjects, 112 (20%) had abnormal renal function with no history of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) and 29 (5%) had a history of SRC at baseline. In models adjusting for patient dropout, we found that patients with abnormal baseline renal function experienced the same annual decline in eCcr as patients with normal baseline renal function (-0.89% per year, 95% CI -2.02%, 0.26%), which is similar to that observed in the general population. Patients with a history of SRC also showed the same rate of decline, although starting from a lower baseline. CONCLUSION Renal dysfunction is common in SSc, even among those without a history of SRC. It is generally mild and renal function declines at a rate similar to the general population. These data are of considerable prognostic value for clinicians caring for patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Caron
- McGill University, Jewish General Hospital, Room A-725, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
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Barnes T, Gliddon A, Doré CJ, Maddison P, Moots RJ. Baseline vWF factor predicts the development of elevated pulmonary artery pressure in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2012; 51:1606-9. [PMID: 22596213 PMCID: PMC3418644 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. This study aims to examine the utility of von Willebrand factor (vWF) as a biomarker in lcSSc, in particular the ability of vWF to predict the future development of disease manifestations in this disease. Methods. vWFAg concentrations were measured in the serum of patients with lcSSc at baseline and at 3 years, during the QUINs trial [Prevention of Vascular Damage in Scleroderma with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibition]. %DLCO, %KCO, %FVC, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) estimation by echocardiography, Raynaud’s attack frequency, Raynaud’s severity, digital ulcer frequency, urinary protein excretion, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), modified Rodnan skin score and Medsger disease activity score were also measured at baseline and 3 years. Results. Baseline serum vWF concentrations were related to concurrent Medsger disease activity score, %DLCO, %FVC, urinary protein excretion, eGFR and PAP >30 mmHg. In logistic regression models, baseline serum vWF concentrations were able to predict the future development of elevated PAP by echocardiography (PAP >40 mmHg, P = 0.001). Conclusions. Pulmonary artery hypertension is a life-threatening complication of lcSSc. vWF is a marker of endothelial cell activation. Raised serum concentrations of vWF in lcSSc increase the risk of developing subsequent elevation in PAP. Therefore screening patients with lcSSc for vWF may identify a group at risk of developing PAH. These patients could potentially be targeted with agents that stabilize the endothelium, e.g. statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Barnes
- Institute of Chronic Disease and Ageing, Clinical Sciences Centre, Aintree University Hospital, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, UK
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Abstract
Important clinical advances in the treatment of systemic sclerosis have been made, yet fibrotic disease remains largely untreatable. Optimal design of clinical trials to test new therapeutics for fibrotic disease features has suffered from dual difficulties in patient selection and patient evaluation. Patient selection for entry into trials for treatment of interstitial lung disease and/or skin fibrosis is challenged by the natural history of the disease, which stabilizes in some patients while relentlessly progressing in others, and our lack of good clinical markers to distinguish between these trajectories. Patient evaluation is made difficult, particularly in skin disease, by the inherent difficulty in quantifying the extent of disease. Biomarkers hold the potential to solve many of these problems as surrogate outcome measures and as markers for disease progression. Identified biomarkers may have the potential to graduate to surrogate outcome singly or, more likely, in combination. Predictive biomarkers are still largely unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lafyatis
- Boston University School of Medicine, Arthritis Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Although infectiological stimuli, environmental factors and genotypic features are known to contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of systemic sclerosis (SSc), its etiology still remains to be enigmatic, and less elusive insights are to be achieved by ongoing and future investigations. Being characterized, however, as chronic autoimmune disease with excessive collagen accumulation in skin, synovia and visceral organs such as lung, heart, and digestive tract along with obliterating angiopathy, the pathophysiology of SSc can be summarized as being based on imbalances of the cellular and humoral immune system, vascular dysfunction and activation of resident connective tissue cells. A complex interplay between these major components manages to establish and maintain the inability of the vasculature to adequately react to the need for dilatation, constriction and growth of new vessels, to cause the increased deposition of extracellular matrix constituents as well as to facilitate immunological disarrangement. Despite parallels to the chicken and egg causality dilemma, all of these account for what later clinicians observe in patients suffering from Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, sclerodactyly, rigidity of the face, microstomia, sicca syndrome, dyspnea, dry cough, pulmonary hypertension, palpitations, syncopes, renal insufficiency, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, generalized arthralgias, but also dyspareunia, or erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Geyer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Kerckhoff-Klinik, Bad Nauheim, Germany
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Dziankowska-Bartkowiak B, Gerlicz-Kowalczuk Z, Waszczykowska E. Angiogenin and SDF-1α serum concentration in patients with systemic sclerosis in relation to clinical status. Arch Med Sci 2011; 7:92-6. [PMID: 22291739 PMCID: PMC3258685 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2011.20610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 10/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by tissue hypoxia due to vascular changes and excessive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Damage to blood vessels and endothelium, as well as imbalance of vascular homeostasis, impairment of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis are observed in the course of the disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the pro-angiogenic factors angiogenin and SDF-1α in patients with SSc. MATERIAL AND METHODS Serum samples were collected from 50 patients with dSSc (diffuse SSc) and lSSc (limited SSc) and from 38 patients used as a healthy control group. We explored: 1) how the serum concentrations of SDF-1α and angiogenin differ in the investigated groups; 2) the correlation among chemokines in SSc and the duration of the disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerosis of the skin and TSS (total skin score). RESULTS Patients with SSc showed statistically significantly higher serum angiogenin concentration and there was no correlation between duration of the disease and Raynaud's phenomenon, skin sclerosis or TSS. There was also no difference or no correlation between serum level of SDF-1α and the investigated groups. CONCLUSIONS The increase in angiogenin concentration in the serum in patients with SSc may confirm endothelial damage caused by hypoxia and reduced vascular perfusion due to the course of SSc without contributing to compensatory revascularization.
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Minier T, Nagy Z, Balint Z, Farkas H, Radics J, Kumanovics G, Czompoly T, Simon D, Varju C, Nemeth P, Czirjak L. Construct validity evaluation of the European Scleroderma Study Group activity index, and investigation of possible new disease activity markers in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 49:1133-45. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiologycharacterized b y pronounced fibroproliferative alterations in the microvasculature, and frequent cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities, culminating in a severe and often progressive fibrotic process. Numerous biomarkers reflecting the three main pathogenetic mechanisms in systemic sclerosis have been described; however, aside from several disease-specific autoantibodies, other biomarkers have not been thoroughly validated and require further study. Thus, there is an unmet need for validated biomarkers for diagnosis, disease classification, and evaluation of organ involvement and therapeutic response in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan V Castro
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107-15541, USA.
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Müller-Ladner U, Distler O, Ibba-Manneschi L, Neumann E, Gay S. Mechanisms of vascular damage in systemic sclerosis. Autoimmunity 2010; 42:587-95. [PMID: 19863377 DOI: 10.1080/08916930903002487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Although being classified as autoimmune connective tissue disease, dominant components of the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc) consists of mechanisms of vascular damage, which can occur early in the course of the disease. Amongst them are abnormal vasoreactivity, hypoxia, insufficient neoangiogenesis and direct damage of vascular and perivascular cells. They result in a decreased capillary blood flow, and subsequently in clinically overt symptoms such as Raynaud's syndrome and fingertip ulcers. In addition, in active disease vascular pathology can affect various other organs, predominantly the lung, the kidney, the heart but also the gastrointestinal tract. Vascular pathology contributes also significantly to overall morbidity and mortality in SSc patients and reduces life expectancy by at least a decade. Fortunately, molecular biology has revealed a number of underlying pathways on the cellular and subcellular levels, including key factors of the aberrant function of (peri)vascular cells and autoimmune effector cells, the dysregulation of vasoconstrictive molecules and their receptors, the upregulation of intracellular signaling kinases and the altered balance of hypoxia-induced vascular growth factors. This increasing knowledge of vascular pathology in SSc has also resulted in novel therapeutic approaches ranging from endothelin antagonists to application of progenitor cells to counteract this aberrant vascular pathology and to support the repair of the dysfunctional vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Kerckhoff Clinic, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Benekestrasse 2-8, D-61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
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Tyndall A, Matucci-Cerinic M, Müller-Ladner U. Future targets in the management of systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2009; 48 Suppl 3:iii49-53. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kep106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Curiel RV, Bhagati R, Basavaraju L, Norton D, Katz J, Haile E, Weinstein A. Von Willebrand factor, red cell fragmentation, and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. HSS J 2008; 4:170-4. [PMID: 18815861 PMCID: PMC2553164 DOI: 10.1007/s11420-008-9080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to determine whether the plasma levels of Von Willebrand factor (vWf) and the degree of red blood cell (RBC) fragmentation on peripheral smear correlate with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Forty consecutive patients who fulfilled the criteria for SLE were studied prospectively for 1 year. Patients were categorized according to the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) as either active (>2) or inactive disease and followed up monthly (active) or quarterly (inactive). At each visit, patients were examined fully and had complete blood count, tests on antibodies to double-stranded DNA, C3, and C4 levels, and urinalysis. Citrated plasma was analyzed for vWf antigen by standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Wright's stained blood smear was obtained and schistocytes were quantitated on blood smear. The number of schistocytes per 500 RBCs was determined and a schistocyte index (SI) was calculated. At baseline, vWf correlated with SLEDAI (r = 0.64, p < 0.01), SI correlated with SLEDAI (r = 0.62, p < 0.01), and vWf and SI correlated with each other (r = 0.41, p = 0.01). There was an inverse correlation between baseline C3 levels and vWf (r = 0.49, p = 0.0013) and C3 levels and SI (r = 0.40, p = 0.01). Over time, there was also a correlation of SLEDAI with vWf (r = 0.53, p = 0.002) and SI (r = 0.57;p = 0.002). The relation of vWf with SI approached but did not reach statistical significance (r = 0.37, p = 0.06). We found that the plasma levels of vWf and the degree of RBC fragmentation correlate with lupus disease activity over time. Therefore, inflammation in SLE may be associated with endothelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo V. Curiel
- Medical Faculty Associates, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3-416, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Rajkumari Bhagati
- Medical Faculty Associates, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3-416, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Lakshmi Basavaraju
- Medical Faculty Associates, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3-416, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Delona Norton
- Medical Faculty Associates, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3-416, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - James Katz
- Medical Faculty Associates, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3-416, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Elizabeth Haile
- Medical Faculty Associates, The George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3-416, Washington, DC 20037 USA
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Iannone F, Riccardi MT, Guiducci S, Bizzoca R, Cinelli M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Lapadula G. Bosentan regulates the expression of adhesion molecules on circulating T cells and serum soluble adhesion molecules in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Ann Rheum Dis 2007; 67:1121-6. [PMID: 18029384 PMCID: PMC2564790 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2007.080424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To study the expression of adhesion molecules in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with and without pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and the effects of therapy with the endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor antagonist, bosentan. Methods: In all, 35 patients with SSc and 25 healthy donors (HD) were selected for this study. Of 35 patients, 10 had isolated PAH assessed by Doppler echocardiography and treated with bosentan. Peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes were isolated by density gradient centrifugation, and the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) and L-selectin on CD3 T cells was assessed by double immunofluorescence and flow-cytometry. As endothelial activation markers, serum soluble P-selectin, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen were assessed by ELISA. In patients with SSc-PAH, T cell subsets and soluble endothelial markers were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of bosentan therapy. Results: In patients with SSc-PAH, serum soluble ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin and PECAM-1 levels were higher than in HD at baseline and fell to normal values after 12 months of bosentan therapy. CD3–LFA1 T cells were significantly higher in PAH-SSc at baseline than in HD or SSc and significantly decreased after therapy. CD3–L-selectin T cells were significantly lower in SSc-PAH at baseline than in HD or SSc and rose to normal levels after bosentan therapy. Conclusions: This study confirms that endothelial activation occurs in SSc, and suggests that changes in the T cell/endothelium interplay take place in SSc-associated PAH. Bosentan seems to be able to hamper these changes and restore T cell functions in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Iannone
- Rheumatology Unit - DIMIMP, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Hummers LK. Microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis: Detection and monitoring with biomarkers. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2006; 8:131-7. [PMID: 16569372 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-006-0053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vascular disease is universal in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), but there is a wide variability in its severity. It is clear that there is an early insult to the microvasculature, followed-up by on-going chronic process. This results in profound vascular damage in a subset of patients who develop severe events such as digital loss and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although there is abundant evidence of vascular perturbation from studies of peripheral blood in SSc, there are few data about the ability to use these biomarkers to predict vascular outcomes. This paper examines the possibility of using circulating biomarkers to assess vascular disease activity and to predict severe vascular events among patients with SSc.
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Distler JHW, Kalden JR, Gray S, Distler O. Vaskul�re Ver�nderungen in der Pathogenese der systemischen Sklerose. Z Rheumatol 2004; 63:446-50. [PMID: 15605207 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-004-0671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2004] [Accepted: 10/18/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrates and endothelial apoptosis with an impaired angiogenesis are observed in early stages of the disease, whereas later stages are characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the skin and various internal organs. Consistent with the ongoing endothelial cell damage, various markers of endothelial cells such as endothelin-1, sICAM-1, s-VCAM-1 and thrombomodulin are found in high levels in the serum of SSc patients. Surprisingly, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic molecule, is overexpressed in the skin of patients with SSc despite insufficient angiogenesis. Interestingly, patients suffering from diffuse SSc and patients without finger tip ulcers show higher VEGF levels compared to age- and sex-matched controls. These results indicate that a controlled overexpression of VEGF might help to protect against the manifestation of ischemic conditions. On the other hand, data from animal models indicate that a long-term, uncontrolled overexpression of VEGF might have paradox effects on the formation of new vessels leading to capillary changes similar to those observed in SSc. In addition to the impaired angiogenesis, defective vasculogenesis might contribute to the vascular symptoms of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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Del Papa N, Colombo G, Fracchiolla N, Moronetti LM, Ingegnoli F, Maglione W, Comina DP, Vitali C, Fantini F, Cortelezzi A. Circulating endothelial cells as a marker of ongoing vascular disease in systemic sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 50:1296-304. [PMID: 15077314 DOI: 10.1002/art.20116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) have been described in different conditions involving vascular injury. Vascular abnormalities play a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to search for the presence of CECs in patients with SSc and to evaluate their clinical associations and possible pathogenic role. METHODS The study cohort included 46 patients with SSc and 40 healthy controls. Five-parameter, 3-color flow cytometry was performed with a FACScan. CECs were defined as CD45 negative, CD34 positive, and P1H12 positive, and activated CECs were defined as CD45 negative and P1H12 positive, CD62 positive, or CD106 positive. Progenitors were identified as CD34 positive and CD133 positive. RESULTS Total and activated CEC counts were significantly higher in SSc patients compared with healthy controls and were positively correlated with the disease activity score. With respect to visceral involvement, significant correlation was observed between the CEC number and the severity of pulmonary hypertension. High levels of endothelial progenitors were observed in patients with SSc, and the counts were higher in the early stages of disease. CONCLUSION The presence of CECs in patients with SSc may represent direct evidence of endothelial disease and may be a promising new clinical marker for active SSc. Notably, the association between CECs and pulmonary hypertension and impaired carbon monoxide diffusing capacity was evident in patients with limited cutaneous SSc only, suggesting an important role for CECs in this disease subset with prominent vascular changes. Detection of circulating endothelial progenitors may represent a response to vascular ischemia in early SSc, as an attempt at revascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Del Papa
- Department of Rheumatology, G. Pini Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Cerinic MM, Valentini G, Sorano GG, D'Angelo S, Cuomo G, Fenu L, Generini S, Cinotti S, Morfini M, Pignone A, Guiducci S, Del Rosso A, Kalfin R, Das D, Marongiu F. Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and markers of endothelial dysfunction in systemic sclerosis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2003; 32:285-95. [PMID: 12701039 DOI: 10.1053/sarh.2002.50011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the coagulative/fibrinolytic cascade and the circulating markers of the endothelial injury in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHOD Plasma was obtained from 29 patients with SSc and tested for thrombin-antithrombin (TAT), fragments 1+2 (F1+2), dermatansulphate (DS), thrombomodulin (TM), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], von Willebrand factor (vWF), tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), D-dimers, intercellular adhesion molecole-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), and E-selectin. The data were correlated with lung (forced vital capacity, diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide, vital capacity) and skin (skin score) involvement. RESULTS Coagulation was significantly activated (increase in F1+2, P <.001; TAT, P <.01; and Lp(a), P <.05). TM was not significantly different from controls. vWF was significantly increased (P <.01), and its supranormal multimers increased in more than 50% of patients. DS was significantly increased in diffuse cutaneous SSc (P <.01). Fibrinolysis was impaired as shown by reduced D-dimers (P <.01) and decreased levels of PAI (P < 0.01). The markers of endothelial injury were also significantly elevated. DS correlated significantly with forced vital capacity (P <.01) and forced vital capacity ratio (P <.01). CONCLUSION Injury to the endothelium reduces endothelial function, as suggested by impairment of fibrinolysis and activation of the coagulative pathway. The loss of the balance between fibrinolysis and coagulation contributes to vessel engulfment with fibrin and breakdown of vessel patency. The increase of circulating DS suggests that this factor may be a new marker of endothelial injury.
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Mazzone A, Faggioli P, Cusa C, Stefanin C, Rondena M, Morelli B. Effects of iloprost on adhesion molecules and F1 + 2 in peripheral ischemia. Eur J Clin Invest 2002; 32:882-8. [PMID: 12534446 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2362.2002.01095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iloprost has beneficial effects on microcirculation by preventing platelet and leukocyte reciprocal activation, which is known to lead to endothelial damage and acute thrombosis. This drug also reduces inflammatory system activation by decreasing alpha M beta 2 integrin expression on the phagocyte membrane, might have a role in the protection and restoration of endothelial integrity and might interact with coagulation cascade activation. DESIGN Forty patients were enrolled: 29 with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 11 with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Iloprost was administered for 5 days in the first group and for 21 days in second group of patients. To ascertain whether iloprost modifies the parameters of endothelial and coagulation cascade activations, the plasma concentrations of S-ICAM-1 and F1 + 2 were detected in patients at baseline, after 5 days and, in PAD patients only, after 21 days of iloprost therapy. S-ICAM-1 is the endothelial counter receptor for alpha M beta 2 integrin and is a marker of endothelial cell activation; and F1 + 2 is a marker of coagulation cascade activation. RESULTS After infusion of iloprost a significant decrease of S-ICAM-1 was observed in both the SSc (P < 0.002) and PAD patients (P < 0.004). Similarly, a significant decrease of F1 + 2 was observed in the SSc (P < 0.0004) and PAD patients (P < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The study provides evidence that iloprost reduces endothelial cells and coagulation cascade activations. Both of these mechanisms are responsible for improvement in microvascular functional capacity and for the long-term clinical benefit observed. After iloprost infusion, the SSc patients showed marked reductions in F1 + 2 and S-ICAM-1 concentrations that were statistically more significant relative to the PAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mazzone
- U.O. Internal Medicine and Onclogy, Ospedale Civile di Legnano, Legnano, Milan, Italy.
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