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Zhang F, Xiao Y, Huang Z, Wang Y, Wan W, Zou H, Wang B, Qiu X, Yang X. Upregulation of GPX4 drives ferroptosis resistance in scleroderma skin fibroblasts. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 221:23-30. [PMID: 38740100 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSC) fibrosis involves the rapid proliferation of skin fibroblasts, and current anti-fibrotic treatments are limited. This study investigated the relationship between ferroptosis and SSC skin fibroblasts. We observed that erastin-induced ferroptosis was suppressed in SSC fibroblasts. RSL3, a direct inhibitor of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4), significantly reduced the viability of the fibroblasts, and upregulation of GPX4 in the SSC fibroblasts contributed to ferroptosis resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrated that transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) was a crucial transporter for iron deposition in the fibroblasts. Collectively, our results highlight that GPX4 inhibition could enhance the sensitivity to ferroptosis by SSC fibroblasts, which showed distinct characteristics of iron metabolism that were not observed in normal fibroblasts in this study. Taken together, these results suggest that targeting ferroptosis could be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fali Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zhongzhou Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yingyu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Weiguo Wan
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Kaniecki T, Hughes M, McMahan Z. Managing gastrointestinal manifestations in systemic sclerosis, a mechanistic approach. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:603-622. [PMID: 38406978 PMCID: PMC11098704 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2320205] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with heterogeneous presentation. Gastrointestinal (GI) complications of SSc are characterized by esophageal reflux, abnormal motility, and microbiome dysbiosis, which impact patient quality of life and mortality. Preventative therapeutics are lacking, with management primarily aimed at symptomatic control. AREAS COVERED A broad literature review was conducted through electronic databases and references from key articles. We summarize the physiology of gastric acid production and GI motility to provide context for existing therapies, detail the current understanding of SSc-GI disease, and review GI medications studied in SSc. Finally, we explore new therapeutic options. We propose a management strategy that integrates data on drug efficacy with knowledge of disease pathophysiology, aiming to optimize future therapeutic targets. EXPERT OPINION SSc-GI complications remain a challenge for patients, clinicians, and investigators alike. Management presently focuses on treating symptoms and minimizing mucosal damage. Little evidence exists to suggest immunosuppressive therapy halts progression of GI involvement or reverses damage, leaving many unanswered questions about the optimal clinical approach. Further research focused on identifying patients at risk for GI progression, and the underlying mechanism(s) that drive disease will provide opportunities to prevent long-term damage, and significantly improve patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Kaniecki
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Salford, US
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Zsuzsanna McMahan
- Division of Rheumatology, UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
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Dułak NA, Rytlewska M, Jaskólska M, Chmielewski M. A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:737-741. [PMID: 38294542 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05539-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is common in patients with rheumatic diseases. Pernicious anemia is a well-known cause, but recent reports suggest that autoimmune-derived deficiency may not be limited to this cause alone. Symptoms of low vitamin B12 concentration are often deceptive, mimicking and overlapping with symptoms of other conditions. Neuropsychiatric manifestations, anemia, and fatigue are frequently attributed to a rheumatic disease without further evaluation. In this study, we present three cases of patients with neuropathic pain, depression, fatigue, and muscle weakness, initially attributed to a rheumatic disease, which almost completely resolved after implementing vitamin B12 supplementation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current scientific reports regarding the potential use of cobalamin in rheumatology. Treatment of pain and neuropathy, often very challenging in long-lasting rheumatic diseases, can be more effective after a course of vitamin B12, even when no apparent deficiency is detected in laboratory tests. Considering recent research demonstrating vitamin B12's nerve-protecting properties, we recommend that physicians should assess vitamin B12 levels early in the diagnostic process of rheumatic diseases. In specific cases, physicians should consider cobalamin supplementation regardless of vitamin B12 serum concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Aleksandra Dułak
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Rytlewska
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marta Jaskólska
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Michał Chmielewski
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Martínez-Díaz G, Cruz-Domínguez MP, López Zamora B, Ramirez-Facio J, Medina G, Munguía-Cruz RX, Saavedra-Salinas MA, Arrucha-Cozaya M, Vera-Lastra OL, Peralta-Amaro AL, Florez-Durante ÓI, Gil-Galindo KA. Influence of visceral adiposity on cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:621-630. [PMID: 37684492 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05421-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, generalized fibrosis and high cardiovascular mortality. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk through the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been helpful due to its direct relationship to the body and visceral fat percentage. We evaluated the influence of body composition and anthropometrics on cardiovascular risk as measured by VAI in healthy controls (HC) and SSc. An analytical cross-sectional study of 66 participants (33 SSc and 33 HC), mean age 52.7 ± 10, 95% women, was conducted from August 2020 to January 2021. Inclusion criteria in cases were consecutive patients with SSc (ACR/EULAR 2013), 63.6% were diffuse cutaneous (dcSS) subtype, and 36.4 were limited cutaneous (lcSS) subtype. HC was matched by age and gender. Serum lipid profiles and InBody anthropometrics were analyzed and compared. We performed descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis with Student's t, or Mann-Whitney U, correlation and chi-square according to the variable type and distribution. Total cholesterol was significantly higher in SSc than HC (345 vs 194, p = < 0.001). The BMI was higher in HC (26.2 vs 28.9, p < 0.001). Kilograms of muscle (19.8 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) and total fat (23.4 vs 28.9, p < 0.001) were lower in SSc patients compared to HC. VAI was similar when BMI < 25, but significantly higher when BMI > 25 in SSc than in HC (3 vs 1.9, p = 0.030). The increase in BMI at overweight or obese in SSc is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Martínez-Díaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Campus Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - María Pilar Cruz-Domínguez
- Direction of Education and Research, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret", Mexico City, Mexico.
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Berenice López Zamora
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret", Mexico City, Mexico
- Postgraduate studies section and research, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jordan Ramirez-Facio
- Internal Medicine Resident, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Clinical Research Unit, Hospital de Especialidades Centro Médico La Raza, IMSS; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel Angel Saavedra-Salinas
- Clinical Research Unit, Hospital de Especialidades Centro Médico La Raza, IMSS; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Michelle Arrucha-Cozaya
- Faculty of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Campus Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Olga Lidia Vera-Lastra
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Internal Medicine Department, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana Lilia Peralta-Amaro
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Internal Medicine Department, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Óscar Iván Florez-Durante
- Laboratory Department, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kybaná Aurora Gil-Galindo
- Postgraduate studies section and research, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
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Volkmann ER, Andréasson K, Smith V. Systemic sclerosis. Lancet 2023; 401:304-318. [PMID: 36442487 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01692-0.systemic] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare and complex autoimmune connective-tissue disease. Once considered an untreatable and unpredictable condition, research advancements have improved our understanding of its disease pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes and expanded our treatment armamentarium. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, while ongoing efforts to risk stratify patients have a central role in predicting both organ involvement and disease progression. A holistic approach is required when choosing the optimal therapeutic strategy, balancing the side-effect profile with efficacy and tailoring the treatment according to the goals of care of the patient. This Seminar reviews the multiple clinical dimensions of systemic sclerosis, beginning at a precursor very early stage of disease, with a focus on timely early detection of organ involvement. This Seminar also summarises management considerations according to the pathological hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (eg, inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy) and highlights unmet needs and opportunities for future research and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University (Hospital), Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
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