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Szűcs G, Szekanecz Z, Szamosi S. Can we define difficult-to-treat systemic sclerosis? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1065-1081. [PMID: 38711393 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2352450] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by microvascular alterations, immunopathology, and widespread fibrosis involving various organs. It is considered difficult to treat due to several reasons: complex pathogenesis, heterogeneity, late diagnosis, limited treatment options for certain organ manifestations, lack of personalized medicine. AREAS COVERED This review presents the heterogeneity, survival and organ manifestations with their risk factors of systemic sclerosis and their current treatment options, while drawing attention to difficult-to-treat forms of the disease, based on literature indexed in PubMed. EXPERT OPINION Despite recent advances in the management of SSc over the last decades, the disease presents significant morbidity and mortality. Although available treatment protocols brought significant advancements in terms of survival in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, less success has been achieved in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers and the results are modest in case of heart, gastrointestinal, and renal manifestations. There are patients who do not respond to treatment and deteriorate even with adequate therapy. They can be considered difficult-to treat (D2T) cases. We have created a possible score system based on the individual organ manifestations and highlighted treatment options for the D2T SSc category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Szűcs
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Szamosi
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Haussmann AJ, McMahan ZH, Volkmann ER. Understanding the gastrointestinal microbiome in systemic sclerosis: methodological advancements and emerging research. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024:00002281-990000000-00138. [PMID: 39189041 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000001048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the role of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We describe techniques for evaluating the GI microbiome in humans, and emerging research linking GI microbiome alterations (i.e., dysbiosis) and distinct SSc clinical manifestations. We also address the evolving treatment landscape targeting dysbiosis in SSc. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature brings into focus the complex relationship between the GI microbiome and SSc pathogenesis. Advanced techniques (e.g., shotgun metagenomics, meta-transcriptomics) provide deeper insights into microbial taxonomy and active gene expression, exposing dysbiosis as a potential driver of SSc. New studies demonstrate that SSc patients who possess specific SSc clinical features, (e.g., interstitial lung disease), have unique GI microbiome profiles. SUMMARY Dysbiosis is associated with specific clinical features in patients with SSc. New tools for studying the GI microbiome have furthered our understanding of the relationship between dysbiosis and SSc complications. Therapeutic avenues such as dietary adjustments, probiotics, antibiotics, mindfulness practices, and fecal transplants offer potential for managing SSc and preventing its progression through GI microbiome modulation. By clarifying what is known about the relationship between the GI dysbiosis, GI dysfunction, and SSc, this review enhances our understanding of SSc pathogenesis and proposes targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana J Haussmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine
| | - Zsuzsanna H McMahan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine
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Xie S, Meng Q, Wang L. The effect of gut microbiome and plasma metabolome on systemic sclerosis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1427195. [PMID: 39086645 PMCID: PMC11288946 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1427195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cellular and molecular biology, combined with research on the human microbiome and metabolome, have provided new insights into the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, most studies on gut microbiota (GM) and metabolome in SSc are observational studies. The impact of confounding factors and reverse causation leads to different insights. To shed light on this matter, we utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) to determine the causal effect of GM/metabolites on SSc. Methods Based on summary-level data from genome-wide association studies, bidirectional Two-sample MR was conducted involving 196 GM, 1400 plasma metabolism, and 9,095 SSc. Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW) was mainly used for effect estimation. Results Forward MR analysis found that three GM and two plasma metabolites are causally related to SSc. IVW results showed Victivallaceae (family) (OR, 1.469; 95%CI, 1.099-1.963; p = 0.009) and LachnospiraceaeUCG004 (genus) (OR, 1.548; 95%CI, 1.020-2.349; p = 0.04) were risk factor of SSc. Conversely, Prevotella7 (genus) (OR, 0.759; 95%CI, 0.578-0.997; p = 0.048)was a protective factor of SSc. The results on plasma metabolites indicated that Pregnenediol disulfate (C21H34O8S2) levels (OR, 1.164; 95%CI, 1.006-1.347; p = 0.041)was a risk factor of SSc, while Sphingomyelin (d18:1/19:0, d19:1/18:0) levels (OR, 0.821; 95%CI, 0.677-0.996; p = 0.045)was a protective factor of SSc. Reverse MR analysis did not find causally relationship between SSc and the above GM/plasma metabolites. Conclusion Our results revealed the causally effect between GM/plasma metabolites and SSc. These findings provided new insights into the mechanism of SSc. In particular, we demonstrated Prevotella7 was a protective factor of SSc despite its controversial role in SSc in previous researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiming Meng
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, The Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Kayser C, de Oliveira Delgado SM, Zimmermann AF, Horimoto AMC, Del Rio APT, de Souza Müller C, Camargo CZ, Lupo CM, de Moraes DA, Do Rosário E Souza EJ, Santos FPST, Sekiyama JY, Lonzetti LS, de Oliveira Martins LV, Bezerra MC, Bredemeier M, Oliveira MC, da Fonseca Salgado MC, Miossi R, de Araújo Fontenele SM, Hax V, Dantas AT, Sampaio-Barros PD. 2023 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology guidelines for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Adv Rheumatol 2024; 64:52. [PMID: 38987832 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-024-00392-w] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations. In the last decade, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate new treatment options for SSc. The purpose of this work is to update the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology in light of the new evidence available for the pharmacological management of SSc. METHODS A systematic review including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for predefined questions that were elaborated according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) strategy was conducted. The rating of the available evidence was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. To become a recommendation, at least 75% agreement of the voting panel was needed. RESULTS Six recommendations were elaborated regarding the pharmacological treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, the treatment (healing) and prevention of digital ulcers, skin involvement, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and gastrointestinal involvement in SSc patients based on results available from RCTs. New drugs, such as rituximab, were included as therapeutic options for skin involvement, and rituximab, tocilizumab and nintedanib were included as therapeutic options for ILD. Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of scleroderma renal crisis and musculoskeletal involvement were elaborated based on the expert opinion of the voting panel, as no placebo-controlled RCTs were found. CONCLUSION These guidelines updated and incorporated new treatment options for the management of SSc based on evidence from the literature and expert opinion regarding SSc, providing support for decision-making in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Kayser
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua dos Otonis 863, 2º andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil.
| | - Sandra Maximiano de Oliveira Delgado
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua dos Otonis 863, 2º andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital Sírio Libanês, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fontes Zimmermann
- Rheumatology Division, Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Tiago University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Alex Magno Coelho Horimoto
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital Regional do Mato Grosso do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul-UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina de Souza Müller
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná-UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Cintia Zumstein Camargo
- Internal Medicine Departament, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Michelini Lupo
- Rheumatology Division, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto-FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Juliana Yuri Sekiyama
- Internal Medicine Departament, Universidade Estadual de Maringá-UEM, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Lilian Scussel Lonzetti
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre-UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Victória de Oliveira Martins
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua dos Otonis 863, 2º andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil
| | | | - Markus Bredemeier
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Oliveira
- Clinical Immunology Division, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Miossi
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Hax
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Percival Degrava Sampaio-Barros
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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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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Zeng L, Yang K, He Q, Zhu X, Long Z, Wu Y, Chen J, Li Y, Zeng J, Cui G, Xiang W, Hao W, Sun L. Efficacy and safety of gut microbiota-based therapies in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 80 randomized controlled trials. BMC Med 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 38475833 PMCID: PMC10935932 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03303-4] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that gut microbiota-based therapies may be effective in treating autoimmune diseases, but a systematic summary is lacking. METHODS Pubmed, EMbase, Sinomed, and other databases were searched for RCTs related to the treatment of autoimmune diseases with probiotics from inception to June 2022. RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis after 2 investigators independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. RESULTS A total of 80 RCTs and 14 types of autoimmune disease [celiac sprue, SLE, and lupus nephritis (LN), RA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), spondyloarthritis, psoriasis, fibromyalgia syndrome, MS, systemic sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), oral lichen planus (OLP), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis] were included. The results showed that gut microbiota-based therapies may improve the symptoms and/or inflammatory factor of celiac sprue, SLE and LN, JIA, psoriasis, PSS, MS, systemic sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. However, gut microbiota-based therapies may not improve the symptoms and/or inflammatory factor of spondyloarthritis and RA. Gut microbiota-based therapies may relieve the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome, but the effect on fibromyalgia impact questionnaire score is not significant. Gut microbiota-based therapies may improve HbA1c in T1DM, but its effect on total insulin requirement does not seem to be significant. These RCTs showed that probiotics did not increase the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Gut microbiota-based therapies may improve several autoimmune diseases (celiac sprue, SLE and LN, JIA, psoriasis, fibromyalgia syndrome, PSS, MS, T1DM, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuting Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
| | - Kailin Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qi He
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | | | - Zhiyong Long
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yuwei Li
- Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Jinsong Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Cui
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Xiang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Wensa Hao
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Albuquerque Pereira MDF, Matias Albuini F, Gouveia Peluzio MDC. Anti-inflammatory pathways of kefir in murine model: a systematic review. Nutr Rev 2024; 82:210-227. [PMID: 37203423 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad052] [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] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Kefir consumption has been associated with immune response modulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the role of kefir against inflammation and the main response mechanisms involved in this process in a murine model. DATA SOURCES The searches were searched in the PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS databases. Only murine model studies, according to PRISMA guidelines, published in the past 10 years were included. STUDY SELECTION Only articles about original and placebo-controlled experiments in murine models used to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of kefir were considered. Of the articles found, 349 were excluded according to the following criteria: duplicate articles (n = 99), off-topic title and abstract (n = 157), reviews (n = 47), studies in vitro (n = 29), and studies with humans (n = 17). In total, 23 studies were included in this review. DATA EXTRACTION Two independently working authors assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies. RESULTS Kefir consumption had positive effects on inflammation modulation. The main mechanisms involved were the reduction of pro-inflammatory and molecular markers; reduction in inflammatory infiltrate in tissues, serum biomarkers, risk factors for chronic diseases, and parasitic infection; composition and metabolic activity change of intestinal microbiota and mycobiota; activation of humoral and cellular immunity; and modulation of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS Kefir modulates the immune system in different experimental models, among other secondary outcomes, to improve overall health. The beverage reduces inflammation through the alternation between innate, Th1, and Th2 responses, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing those of anti-inflammatory ones. In addition, it also mediates immunomodulatory and protective effects through the numerous molecular biomarkers and organic acids produced and secreted by kefir in the intestinal microbiota. The health-promoting effects attributed to kefir may help in the different treatments of inflammatory, chronic, and infectious diseases in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana de Fátima Albuquerque Pereira
- Food Analysis and Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratories, Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Matias Albuini
- Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio
- Food Analysis and Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratories, Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Amarnani A, Silverman GJ. Understanding the roles of the microbiome in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 4:177-187. [PMID: 38125641 PMCID: PMC10729600 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2023-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome represents a potential promising therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the links between the gut microbiome and several autoimmune rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) spondyloarthropathies (SpA), Sjogren's syndrome (SS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Evidence from studies of RA and SLE patients suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome composition and function contribute to disease development and progression through increased gut permeability, with microbes and microbial metabolites driving an excessive systemic activation of the immune system. Also, there is growing evidence that gut dysbiosis and subsequent immune cell activation may contribute to disease pathogenesis in SpA and SS. For SSc, there are fewer, but these are still informative, reports on alterations in the gut microbiome. In general, the complex interplay between the microbiome and the immune system is still not fully understood. Here we discuss the current knowledge of the link between the gut microbiome and autoimmune rheumatic diseases, highlighting potentially fertile areas for future research and make considerations on the potential benefits of strategies that restore gut microbiome homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Amarnani
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NYUSA
| | - Gregg J. Silverman
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NYUSA
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Parodis I, Gomez A, Tsoi A, Chow JW, Pezzella D, Girard C, Stamm TA, Boström C. Systematic literature review informing the EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003297. [PMID: 37532469 PMCID: PMC10401222 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Through this systematic literature review, we assembled evidence to inform the EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). We screened articles published between January 2000 and June 2021. Studies selected for data extraction (118 for SLE and 92 for SSc) were thematically categorised by the character of their intervention. Of 208 articles included, 51 were classified as robust in critical appraisal. Physical activity was the most studied management strategy and was found to be efficacious in both diseases. Patient education and self-management also constituted widely studied topics. Many studies on SLE found psychological interventions to improve quality of life. Studies on SSc found phototherapy and laser treatment to improve cutaneous disease manifestations. In summary, non-pharmacological management of SLE and SSc encompasses a wide range of interventions, which can be combined and provided either with or without adjunct pharmacological treatment but should not aim to substitute the latter when this is deemed required. While some management strategies i.e., physical exercise and patient education, are already established in current clinical practice in several centres, others e.g., phototherapy and laser treatment, show both feasibility and efficacy, yet require testing in more rigorous trials than those hitherto conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Tsoi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jun Weng Chow
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Denise Pezzella
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Girard
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tanja A Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Boström
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Stec A, Maciejewska M, Zaremba M, Paralusz-Stec K, Michalska M, Rudnicka L, Sikora M. The Clinical Significance of Serum Biomarkers of the Intestinal Barrier in Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040678. [PMID: 37109064 PMCID: PMC10141873 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated connective tissue disease. Recent studies reported differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) in patients with SSc compared to nonsclerodermic subjects. Dysbiosis may disrupt the intestinal barrier, which leads to immunological activation via microbial antigen and metabolite translocation. The study aimed to assess the differences in intestinal permeability between SSc patients and controls and to examine the correlation between intestinal permeability and complications of SSc. The study comprised 50 patients with SSc and 30 matched subjects. Serum intestinal permeability markers: intestinal fatty acid binding protein, claudin-3, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SSc patients had a significantly increased concentration of LPS compared to control subjects (232.30 [149.00-347.70] versus 161.00 [83.92-252.20] pg/mL, p < 0.05). The patients with shorter SSc duration (≤6 years) had an increased concentration of LPS and claudin-3 compared to the subgroup with longer disease length: LPS (280.75 [167.30-403.40] versus 186.00 [98.12-275.90] pg/mL, p < 0.05), and claudin-3 (16.99 [12.41-39.59] versus 13.54 [10.29-15.47] ng/mL, p < 0.05). The patients with esophageal dysmotility had a decreased LPS level compared to those without this complication (188.05 [102.31-264.40] versus 283.95 [203.20-356.30] pg/mL, p < 0.05). Increased intestinal permeability in SSc may exacerbate the course of the disease and increase the risk of developing complications. Lower LPS levels in SSc might be a hallmark of esophageal dysmotility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stec
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Maciejewska
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Paralusz-Stec
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Milena Michalska
- Department of General, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Sikora
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Volkmann ER. Is there a role for the microbiome in systemic sclerosis? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:237-240. [PMID: 36576305 PMCID: PMC9957839 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2161512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R. Volkmann
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine
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12
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Nguyen AD, Andréasson K, McMahan ZH, Bukiri H, Howlett N, Lagishetty V, Lee SM, Jacobs JP, Volkmann ER. Gastrointestinal tract involvement in systemic sclerosis: The roles of diet and the microbiome. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 60:152185. [PMID: 36870237 PMCID: PMC10148899 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in gastrointestinal (GI) microbial composition have been reported in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, it is unclear to what degree these alterations and/or dietary changes contribute to the SSc-GI phenotype. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to 1) evaluate the relationship between GI microbial composition and SSc-GI symptoms, and 2) compare GI symptoms and GI microbial composition between SSc patients adhering to a low versus non-low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet. METHODS Adult SSc patients were consecutively recruited to provide stool specimens for bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Patients completed the UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument (GIT 2.0) and the Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ) II and were classified as adhering to a low or non-low FODMAP diet. GI microbial differences were assessed using three metrics of alpha diversity (species richness, evenness, and phylogenetic diversity), as well as beta diversity (overall microbial composition). Differential abundance analysis was performed to identify specific genera associated with SSc-GI phenotype and low versus non-low FODMAP diet. RESULTS Of the 66 total SSc patients included, the majority were women (n = 56) with a mean disease duration of 9.6 years. Thirty-five participants completed the DHQ II. Increased severity of GI symptoms (total GIT 2.0 score) was associated with decreased species diversity and differences in GI microbial composition. Specifically, pathobiont genera (e.g., Klebsiella and Enterococcus) were significantly more abundant in patients with increased GI symptom severity. When comparing low (N = 19) versus non-low (N = 16) FODMAP groups, there were no significant differences in GI symptom severity or in alpha and beta diversity. Compared with the low FODMAP group, the non-low FODMAP group had greater abundance of the pathobiont Enterococcus. CONCLUSION SSc patients reporting more severe GI symptoms exhibited GI microbial dysbiosis characterized by less species diversity and alterations in microbial composition. A low FODMAP diet was not associated with significant alterations in GI microbial composition or reduced SSc-GI symptoms; however, randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the impact of specific diets on GI symptoms in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey D Nguyen
- Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Zsuzsanna H McMahan
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather Bukiri
- Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Venu Lagishetty
- Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sungeun Melanie Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Jacobs
- Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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Abstract
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is frequently involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may impact quality of life, physical function and survival. Although we are currently very proactive in terms of screening for heart and lung involvement, patients with SSc are not routinely screened for GI involvement. This review details the available investigations for common upper GI symptoms in SSc, including dysphagia, reflux and bloating and provides advice as to how to integrate these investigations into current clinical care.
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14
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Stec A, Maciejewska M, Paralusz-Stec K, Michalska M, Giebułtowicz J, Rudnicka L, Sikora M. The Gut Microbial Metabolite Trimethylamine N-Oxide is Linked to Specific Complications of Systemic Sclerosis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:1895-1904. [PMID: 37152867 PMCID: PMC10162098 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s409489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare immune-mediated connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. Recent studies have revealed dysbiosis in patients with systemic sclerosis and have indicated the possible role of the microbiota and its metabolites in the pathogenesis of the disease. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a compound produced by dysbiotic microbiota observed at higher concentrations in several autoimmune diseases. Objective To determine concentrations of the bacteria-derived metabolite TMAO in patients with systemic sclerosis and to assess possible correlation between TMAO and a specific manifestation of the disease. Patients and Methods The study included 63 patients with SSc and 47 matched control subjects. The concentration of TMAO was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Plasma TMAO level was significantly increased in patients with SSc (283.0 [188.5-367.5] ng/mL versus 205.5 [101.0-318.0] ng/mL; p < 0.01). An increased concentration of TMAO was observed in patients with concomitant interstitial lung disease (ILD) (302.0 ng/mL [212.0-385.5] ng/mL versus 204.0 [135.5-292.0] ng/mL; p < 0.01) and esophageal dysmotility (289.75 [213.75-387.5] ng/mL versus 209.5 ng/mL [141.5-315.0] ng/mL; p < 0.05) compared to patients without these complications. Furthermore, TMAO concentration exhibited significant correlation with markers of heart involvement (left ventricle ejection fraction, NT-proBNP), marker of ILD severity and Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Damage Index. Conclusion The concentration of TMAO, gut microbiota-associated metabolite, is increased in systemic sclerosis, particularly in patients with advanced organ involvement. This is the first study evaluating plasma TMAO in systemic sclerosis. Bacterial metabolites may be a link between dysbiosis and organ involvement in the course of the disease. Modulation of gut bacterial-derived metabolites may represent a new therapeutic approach in the management of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stec
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Milena Michalska
- Department of General, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Giebułtowicz
- Department of Bioanalysis and Drugs Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Sikora
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: Mariusz Sikora, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, Warsaw, 02-637, Poland, Tel +48 22 670 91 00, Fax +48 22 844 77 97, Email
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15
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Stoll ML. Therapeutic alteration of the microbiota in rheumatic diseases: Hype or potential? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2022; 36:101806. [PMID: 36564273 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2022.101806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have demonstrated abnormalities in the contents of the fecal microbiota in patients with a variety of forms of arthritis. This has prompted interest in microbial-altering therapy as a therapeutic tool. While antibiotics as a long-term therapeutic tool have largely fallen out of favor, there have been multiple studies evaluating probiotics in rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or systemic sclerosis; a small number of studies have tested fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) in rheumatic diseases. Although probiotics were well tolerated, few studies detected meaningful clinical benefit regardless of indication. Likewise, one of the two randomized studies evaluating FMT showed minimal clinical benefit, while the other demonstrated worsening compared to sham treatment. In this review article, I summarize the literature on probiotics and FMT in rheumatic diseases, discuss potential reasons for the absence of demonstrable benefit, and suggest avenues of future direction of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Stoll
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Avenue South, Children's Park Place Suite G10, Birmingham, AL 35233 UK.
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16
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Kim S, Park HJ, Lee SI. The Microbiome in Systemic Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416154. [PMID: 36555792 PMCID: PMC9853331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416154] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. Despite substantial investigation on SSc-related cellular and molecular mechanisms, effective therapies are still lacking. The skin, lungs, and gut are the most affected organs in SSc, which act as physical barriers and constantly communicate with colonized microbiota. Recent reports have documented a unique microbiome signature, which may be the pathogenic trigger or driver of SSc. Since gut microbiota influences the efficacy and toxicity of oral drugs, evaluating drug-microbiota interactions has become an area of interest in disease treatment. The existing evidence highlights the potential of the microbial challenge as a novel therapeutic option in SSc. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge about molecular mechanisms of SSc and highlighted the underlying role of the microbiome in SSc pathogenesis. We have also discussed the latest therapeutic interventions using microbiomes in SSc, including drug-microbiota interactions and animal disease models. This review aims to elucidate the pathophysiological connection and therapeutic potential of the microbiome in SSc. Insights into the microbiome will significantly improve our understanding of etiopathogenesis and developing therapeutics for SSc.
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17
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Assessment of disease outcome measures in systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:527-541. [PMID: 35859133 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of disease activity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is challenging owing to its heterogeneous manifestations across multiple organ systems, the variable rate of disease progression and regression, and the relative paucity of patients in early-phase therapeutic trials. Despite some recent successes, most clinical trials have failed to show efficacy, underscoring the need for improved outcome measures linked directly to disease pathogenesis, particularly applicable for biomarker studies focused on skin disease. Current outcome measures in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease and SSc skin disease are largely adequate, although advancing imaging technology and the incorporation of skin mRNA biomarkers might provide opportunities for earlier detection of the therapeutic effect. Biomarkers can further inform pathogenesis, enabling early phase trials to act as reverse translational studies through the incorporation of routine high-throughput sequencing.
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18
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Noviani M, Chellamuthu VR, Albani S, Low AHL. Toward Molecular Stratification and Precision Medicine in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:911977. [PMID: 35847779 PMCID: PMC9279904 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.911977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a complex multi-systemic disease characterized by immune dysregulation, vasculopathy and fibrosis, is associated with high mortality. Its pathogenesis is only partially understood. The heterogenous pathological processes that define SSc and its stages present a challenge to targeting appropriate treatment, with differing treatment outcomes of SSc patients despite similar initial clinical presentations. Timing of the appropriate treatments targeted at the underlying disease process is critical. For example, immunomodulatory treatments may be used for patients in a predominantly inflammatory phase, anti-fibrotic treatments for those in the fibrotic phase, or combination therapies for those in the fibro-inflammatory phase. In advancing personalized care through precision medicine, groups of patients with similar disease characteristics and shared pathological processes may be identified through molecular stratification. This would improve current clinical sub-setting systems and guide personalization of therapies. In this review, we will provide updates in SSc clinical and molecular stratification in relation to patient outcomes and treatment responses. Promises of molecular stratification through advances in high-dimensional tools, including omic-based stratification (transcriptomics, genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, cytomics, microbiomics) and machine learning will be discussed. Innovative and more granular stratification systems that integrate molecular characteristics to clinical phenotypes would potentially improve therapeutic approaches through personalized medicine and lead to better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Noviani
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke–National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Salvatore Albani
- Duke–National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke–National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
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19
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Lemos MPC, Zucoloto TG, Oliveira MC, de Oliveira GLV. Dysbiosis and Gut Microbiota Modulation in Systemic Sclerosis. J Clin Rheumatol 2022; 28:e568-e573. [PMID: 34030162 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is an early manifestation in systemic sclerosis (SSc), affecting more than 90% of patients, and severe GI disease is a marker of poor prognosis and mortality. Recent studies have hypothesized that alterations of the intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis, may represent 1 of the possible environmental factors influencing SSc disease status. In addition, specific microorganisms may be associated with SSc pathogenesis, progression, and GI manifestations. Therapeutic approaches aiming to modulate the intestinal microbiota have emerged, as alternatives to treat GI symptoms, and dietary interventions, probiotic administration, and fecal microbiota transplantation are potential therapies for SSc patients. However, given the complexity and variability of pathogenesis and clinical manifestations in SSc, these therapies need to be combined with additional interventions that target other disease components. Here, we summarize studies addressing intestinal dysbiosis in SSc and discuss the potential of microbiota modulators to treat SSc-related GI disorders.
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20
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Luquez-Mindiola A, Atuesta AJ, Gómez-Aldana AJ. Gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic sclerosis: An updated review. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:6201-6217. [PMID: 34434988 PMCID: PMC8362561 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i22.6201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular disease, fibrosis of the skin, and internal organ dysfunction. Gastrointestinal involvement is the most frequent complication of internal organs, impacting up to 90% of patients. Gastrointestinal involvement can affect any region of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, with a predominance of disorders being observed at the level of the upper digestive tract. The gastrointestinal involvement primarily involves the esophagus, small bowel, and rectum. The severity of gastrointestinal involvement affects quality of life and is a marker of worse prognosis and mortality in these patients. In this review, we describe the current findings regarding gastrointestinal involvement by this entity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexis Javier Atuesta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota 11711, Colombia
| | - Andres Jose Gómez-Aldana
- Department of Endoscopy, Santa Fe Foundation of Bogotá (Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá), Bogotá 11711, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 11711, Colombia
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21
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Tan TC, Noviani M, Leung YY, Low AHL. The microbiome and systemic sclerosis: A review of current evidence. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2021; 35:101687. [PMID: 33849778 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2021.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by immune dysregulation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of multiple organs. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common internal organ manifestation, which contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with SSc. Emerging reports have identified unique microbial taxa alterations in the GI microbiome of patients with SSc as compared to healthy controls (HC). These taxa alterations include differences at the phyla (e.g., Bacteroidetes) and genera (e.g., Bacteroides, Clostridium, Faecalibacterium, and Lactobacillus) level. In addition, some genera have been associated with more severe GI symptoms (e.g., Prevotella and Akkermansia). This review summarizes the current evidence on factors influencing the GI microbiome, GI microbiome alterations in SSc as compared to HC, and in SSc subgroups according to disease manifestations. Current exploration in therapeutic interventions that target the GI microbiome is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze Chin Tan
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Maria Noviani
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Ying Ying Leung
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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22
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Kaniecki T, Abdi T, McMahan ZH. A practical approach to the evaluation and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2021; 35:101666. [PMID: 33676855 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2021.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most commonly affected internal organ system in systemic sclerosis (SSc). SSc may lead to impaired function in any region of the GI tract, from the esophagus to the anorectum, which causes significant morbidity as well as mortality in patient subsets. Given the low prevalence of SSc in the community, many rheumatologists may not have a systematic framework for diagnosing or treating the GI complaints in this disease. These practice recommendations aim to summarize and consolidate the current guidelines from the fields of gastroenterology and rheumatology and establish a symptom-based framework for diagnosis and management based on available evidence in the literature. Subject areas that are in need of additional research are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Kaniecki
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, USA
| | - Tsion Abdi
- Johns Hopkins University, Division of Gastroenterology, USA
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23
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Oliviero F, Spinella P. Benefits of Probiotics in Rheumatic Diseases. Front Nutr 2020; 7:157. [PMID: 33015127 PMCID: PMC7509441 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Oliviero
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Spinella
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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24
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Roobab U, Batool Z, Manzoor MF, Shabbir MA, Khan MR, Aadil RM. Sources, formulations, advanced delivery and health benefits of probiotics. Curr Opin Food Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Zanatta E, Codullo V, Avouac J, Allanore Y. Systemic sclerosis: Recent insight in clinical management. Joint Bone Spine 2019; 87:293-299. [PMID: 31568838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by diffuse microangiopathy and immune dysregulation which ultimately result in widespread fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Although the 2013 EULAR/ACR criteria have allowed to improve the sensitivity for SSc diagnosis, it has recently come to light that the traditional subclassification into limited and diffuse cutaneous forms does not appear to fully capture the different phenotypes of the scleroderma spectrum. In this regard, a recent large cluster analysis-based study and other ongoing projects are trying to achieve a better stratification of SSc patients, as the disease course remains largely unpredictable to date. Recent preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials have yielded encouraging results with new drugs targeting inflammatory/immunological and fibrotic pathways. One of the main unmet needs in SSc remains the early identification of patients at high mortality risk, for whom aggressiveness of therapies ought to be determined and weighed against disease prognosis. Furthermore, lung and cardiac transplantation may also be taken into account in some carefully selected patients. Though the prognosis of SSc remains poor, an optimized stratification of patients along with the recent and ongoing advances in therapies could greatly impact the natural course of the disease in the near future. Moreover, it is envisioned that there will be an increasing need in the future to further develop combination therapies to better fight against this complex disease. In this review we discussed new insights into organ involvements and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Zanatta
- Rhumatologie, université Paris Descartes, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Veronica Codullo
- Rhumatologie, université Paris Descartes, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Avouac
- Rhumatologie, université Paris Descartes, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Rhumatologie, université Paris Descartes, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
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