1
|
Dragoi IT, Rezus C, Burlui AM, Bratoiu I, Rezus E. Multimodal Screening for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Scleroderma: Current Methods and Future Directions. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 61:19. [PMID: 39859001 PMCID: PMC11766816 DOI: 10.3390/medicina61010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2025]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immuno-inflammatory rheumatic disease that can affect both the skin and internal organs through fibrosis. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the most severe secondary complications. Structural changes in the vascular bed lead to increased pressures in the pulmonary circulation, severely impacting the right heart and significantly affecting mortality. The gold standard for diagnosing PAH is right heart catheterization (RHC), an invasive method for measuring cardiac pressure. Due to the high risk of complications, procedural difficulties, and significant costs, non-invasive screening for SSc-PAH has garnered significant interest. Echocardiography is likely the most important screening tool, providing structural and functional information about the right heart through measurements that have proven their utility over time. In addition to imagistic investigations, serum biomarkers aid in identifying patients at risk for PAH and can provide prognostic information. Currently, well-known serum biomarkers (NT-proBNP, uric acid) are used in screening; however, in recent years, researchers have highlighted new biomarkers that can enhance diagnostic accuracy for SSc patients. Pulmonary involvement can also be assessed through pulmonary function tests, which, using established thresholds, can provide additional information and help select patients requiring RHC. In conclusion, given the invasiveness of RHC, non-invasive screening methods are particularly important for SSc patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Teodor Dragoi
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.T.D.); (I.B.); (E.R.)
- I Rheumatology Clinic, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 14 Pantelimon Halipa Street, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- IIIrd Internal Medicine Clinic, “St. Spiridon” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 1 Independence Boulevard, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Maria Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.T.D.); (I.B.); (E.R.)
- I Rheumatology Clinic, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 14 Pantelimon Halipa Street, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Bratoiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.T.D.); (I.B.); (E.R.)
- I Rheumatology Clinic, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 14 Pantelimon Halipa Street, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.T.D.); (I.B.); (E.R.)
- I Rheumatology Clinic, Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 14 Pantelimon Halipa Street, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wasson CW, De Lorenzis E, Clavane EM, Ross RL, Walker KA, Caballero-Ruiz B, Antinozzi C, Wells R, Migneco G, Brown JMY, Turvey SJ, Simmons KJ, Riobo-Del Galdo NA, Di Luigi L, McKimmie CS, Del Galdo F, Meakin PJ. The β-Secretase BACE1 Drives Fibroblast Activation in Systemic Sclerosis through the APP/β-Catenin/Notch Signaling Axis. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:2197-2210.e4. [PMID: 38570030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.024] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACE1 is well-known for its role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Recent publications, including our own, have demonstrated a role for this enzyme in other chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of BACE1 in the autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis (SSc). BACE1 protein levels were elevated in the skin of patients with SSc. Inhibition of BACE1 with small-molecule inhibitors or small interfering RNA blocked SSc and fibrotic stimuli-mediated fibroblast activation. Furthermore, we show that BACE1 regulation of dermal fibroblast activation is dependent on β-catenin and Notch signaling. The neurotropic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor negatively regulates BACE1 expression and activity in dermal fibroblasts. Finally, sera from patients with SSc show higher β-amyloid and lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels than healthy controls. The ability of BACE1 to regulate SSc fibroblast activation reveals a therapeutic target in SSc. Several BACE1 inhibitors have been shown to be safe in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and could be repurposed to ameliorate fibrosis progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Wasson
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico De Lorenzis
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eva M Clavane
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L Ross
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran A Walker
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Begoña Caballero-Ruiz
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Antinozzi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca Wells
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Migneco
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jane M Y Brown
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel J Turvey
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Katie J Simmons
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia A Riobo-Del Galdo
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Luigi Di Luigi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
| | - Clive S McKimmie
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Scleroderma Programme, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul J Meakin
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Masri MFB, Ng SA, Chin CWL, Low AHL. Biomarkers in the evaluation of cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2024; 5:99-106. [PMID: 39015844 PMCID: PMC11248559 DOI: 10.1515/rir-2024-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a multisystemic disease for which the heart can be affected leading to cardiac complications and mortality. Up to 80% of patients with systemic sclerosis have cardiac involvement with varying levels of severity. Several molecules have been identified that can be used as markers of cardiac involvement. These biomarkers can arise directly from the heart due to cardiac damage from the disease such as cardiac troponins or from the underlying dysregulated immune process itself such as the proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6. This review aims to summarize the evidence on currently known biomarkers that are can be diagnostic, prognostic or predictive of primary cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis. We also highlight potential new biomarkers based on the current understanding of the disease process. Clinical use of these markers can benefit patients through earlier identification of those with cardiac involvement, many of whom can be asymptomatic in the early stage, with higher risk of complications, with the overall goal to improve outcomes of these affected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sue-Ann Ng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Bukit Merah, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Calvin WL Chin
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea HL Low
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Bukit Merah, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiang C, Jin X, Li C, Wen L, Wang Y, Li X, Zhang Z, Tan R. Roles of IL-33 in the Pathogenesis of Cardiac Disorders. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:2167-2174. [PMID: 37828753 PMCID: PMC10800126 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231198075] [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] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family and is believed to play important roles in different diseases by binding to its specific receptor suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2). In the heart, IL-33 is expressed in different cells including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelium, and epithelium. Although many studies have been devoted to investigating the effects of IL-33 on heart diseases, its roles in myocardial injuries remain obscure, and thus further studies are mandatory to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms. We highlighted the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular characteristics of IL-33 and then summarized its major roles in different myocardial injuries, mainly focusing on infection, heart transplantation, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. This narrative review will summarize current understanding and insights regarding the implications of IL-33 in cardiac diseases and its diagnostic and therapeutic potential for cardiac disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Jiang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, China
| | - Xuemei Jin
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, China
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Chunlei Li
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, China
| | - Luona Wen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, China
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, China
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Department of Burns, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220 China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Burns, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220 China
| | - Rongshao Tan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muruganandam M, Ariza-Hutchinson A, Patel RA, Sibbitt WL. Biomarkers in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4633-4660. [PMID: 37868834 PMCID: PMC10590076 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s379815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage, vasoinstability, and decreased perfusion with ischemia, inflammation, and exuberant fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Biomarkers are analytic indicators of the biological and disease processes within an individual that can be accurately and reproducibly measured. The field of biomarkers in SSc is complex as recent studies have implicated at least 240 pathways and dysregulated proteins in SSc pathogenesis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are classical biomarkers with well-described clinical classifications and are present in more than 90% of SSc patients and include anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, anti-RNA polymerase III, and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is central to the fibrotic process of SSc and is intimately intertwined with other biomarkers. Tyrosine kinases, interferon-1 signaling, IL-6 signaling, endogenous thrombin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), lysophosphatidic acid receptors, and amino acid metabolites are new biomarkers with the potential for developing new therapeutic agents. Other biomarkers implicated in SSc-ILD include signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), CD226 (DNAX accessory molecule 1), interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), T-cell surface glycoprotein zeta chain (CD3ζ) or CD247, the NLR family, SP-D (surfactant protein), KL-6, leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1), CCL19, genetic factors including DRB1 alleles, the interleukins (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 IL-13, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-32, and IL-35), the chemokines CCL (2,3,5,13,20,21,23), CXC (8,9,10,11,16), CX3CL1 (fractalkine), and GDF15. Adiponectin (an indicator of PPAR activation) and maresin 1 are reduced in SSc patients. A new trend has been the use of biomarker panels with combined complex multifactor analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to determine disease activity and response to therapy. The present review is an update of the various biomarker molecules, pathways, and receptors involved in the pathology of SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maheswari Muruganandam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Angie Ariza-Hutchinson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Rosemina A Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Wilmer L Sibbitt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gokcen N. Serum markers in systemic sclerosis with cardiac involvement. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:2577-2588. [PMID: 37335406 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06663-z] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis is a common clinical entity that may range from subclinical to life-threatening complications. The classification of cardiac involvement may be expressed as either primary or secondary involvement. Primary systemic sclerosis heart involvement (SSc-pHI) refers to cardiac pathologies primarily ascribed to systemic sclerosis rather than concomitant conditions like ischemic heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. The timely recognition of cardiac involvement holds significant clinical relevance. Therefore, numerous screening or diagnostic tools have been evaluated to forecast the likelihood of cardiac involvement, particularly in the absence of clinically evident cardiac symptoms. Of these modalities, serum biomarkers are often preferred due to their expeditiousness and non-invasive nature. Hence, the crucial goal of this narrative review is to review serum biomarkers that can be a valuable or promising tool in diagnosing cardiac involvement, especially SSc-pHI, in the early stages or predicting disease prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Gokcen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, İzmit, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Di Maggio G, Confalonieri P, Salton F, Trotta L, Ruggero L, Kodric M, Geri P, Hughes M, Bellan M, Gilio M, Lerda S, Baratella E, Confalonieri M, Mondini L, Ruaro B. Biomarkers in Systemic Sclerosis: An Overview. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7775-7802. [PMID: 37886934 PMCID: PMC10604992 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by significant fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, with the main involvement of the lungs, kidneys, heart, esophagus, and intestines. SSc is also characterized by macro- and microvascular damage with reduced peripheral blood perfusion. Several studies have reported more than 240 pathways and numerous dysregulation proteins, giving insight into how the field of biomarkers in SSc is still extremely complex and evolving. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in more than 90% of SSc patients, and anti-centromere and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies are considered classic biomarkers with precise clinical features. Recent studies have reported that trans-forming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays a central role in the fibrotic process. In addition, interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), interleukin receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transducer and activator of transcription signal 4 (STAT4), pyrin-containing domain 1 (NLRP1), as well as genetic factors, including DRB1 alleles, are implicated in SSc damage. Several interleukins (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-35) and chemokines (e.g., CCL 2, 5, 23, and CXC 9, 10, 16) are elevated in SSc. While adiponectin and maresin 1 are reduced in patients with SSc, biomarkers are important in research but will be increasingly so in the diagnosis and therapeutic approach to SSc. This review aims to present and highlight the various biomarker molecules, pathways, and receptors involved in the pathology of SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Maggio
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Paola Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Francesco Salton
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Liliana Trotta
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Luca Ruggero
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Metka Kodric
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Pietro Geri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Michael Hughes
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M6 8HD, UK;
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Disease (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria, Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Michele Gilio
- Infectious Disease Unit, San Carlo Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Selene Lerda
- Graduate School, University of Milan, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Baratella
- Department of Radiology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucrezia Mondini
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|