1
|
Pellicano C, Colalillo A, Carnazzo V, Redi S, Basile V, Marino M, Basile U, Rosato E. In Systemic Sclerosis Patients, Peripheral Blood CD21 low B Cells and Serum IL-4 and IL-21 Influence Joint Involvement. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1334. [PMID: 37763102 PMCID: PMC10532941 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients have an increased frequency of CD21low B cells and of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-21, each possible markers of joint involvement in inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of CD21low B cells, IL-4, and IL-21 on joint involvement in a cohort of 52 SSc patients. The DAS28-ESR was correlated with CD21low B cells (r = 0.452, p < 0.001), IL-4 (r = 0.478, p < 0.001), and IL-21 (r = 0.415, p < 0.001). SSc patients with a DAS28-ESR > 3.2 had more CD21low B cells (12.65% (IQR: 7.11-13.79) vs. 5.08% (IQR: 3.76-7.45), p < 0.01), higher IL-4 levels (132.98 pg/mL (IQR: 99.12-164.12) vs. 100.80 pg/mL (IQR: 62.78-121.13), p < 0.05), and higher IL-21 levels (200.77 pg/mL (IQR: 130.13-302.41) vs. 98.83 pg/mL (IQR: 35.70-231.55), p < 0.01) than patients with a DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2. The logistic regression analysis models showed that the DAI (OR: 2.158 (95% CI: 1.120; 4.156), p < 0.05) and CD21low B cells (OR: 1.301 (95% CI: 1.099; 1.540), p < 0.01), the DAI (OR: 2.060 (95% CI: 1.082; 3.919), p < 0.05) and IL-4 level (OR: 1.026 (95% CI: 1.006; 1.045), p < 0.01), and the DAI (OR: 1.743 (95% CI: 1.022; 2.975), p < 0.05) and IL-21 level (OR: 1.006 (95% CI: 1.000; 1.011), p < 0.05) were independently associated with a DAS28-ESR > 3.2. An elevated CD21low B cell percentage, IL-4 level, and IL-21 level was associated with higher articular disease activity in patients, suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of SSc joint involvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pellicano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Amalia Colalillo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Valeria Carnazzo
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy; (V.C.)
| | - Serena Redi
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy; (V.C.)
| | - Valerio Basile
- Clinical Pathology and Cancer Biobank IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Sezione di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Umberto Basile
- UOC of Clinical Pathology DEA II Level, Hospital Santa Maria Goretti-ASL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy; (V.C.)
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.C.); (E.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nagy G, Dobrota R, Becker MO, Minier T, Varjú C, Kumánovics G, Distler O, Czirják L. Characteristics of ScleroID highlighting musculoskeletal and internal organ implications in patients afflicted with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:84. [PMID: 37210571 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-organ disease with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The EULAR SSc Impact of Disease (ScleroID) is a newly introduced SSc-specific patient-reported outcome to evaluate HRQoL in SSc. OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation between the ScleroID and the involvement of organ systems as well as disease activity/damage in a SSc cohort from a large tertiary care centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS The ScleroID and clinical characteristics including internal organ involvement and hand function were investigated in 160 consecutive patients with SSc (median age 46 (43;56) years; diffuse cutaneous SSc 55%). RESULTS A strong correlation was found between the ScleroID and articular disease activity scores (DAS28-CRP, DAS28-ESR, CDAI, SDAI), a hand function performance test, the Hand Anatomy Index and muscle strength tests. Additionally, a strong significant correlation was discovered using instruments representing hand function and musculoskeletal disability including the Cochin Hand Function Scale, the Quick Questionnaire of the Disability of the Hands, Arms and the Shoulders and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index. A significant negative correlation was found between the ScleroID score and the 6-min walking test (6MWT) (rho - 0.444, p < 0.001). Clinically mild lung/heart disease did not show increased ScleroID values. The Mouth Handicap in the Scleroderma Scale and the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium gastrointestinal tract 2.0 also showed significant positive correlations to the ScleroID score (rho: 0.626, p < 0.001; rho: 0.646, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients experiencing oesophageal difficulties bore a significantly higher score compared to individuals with a normal functioning oesophagus (3.2/1.5;4.5/ vs. 2.2/1.0;3.2/, p = 0.011). Moreover, the ScleroID showed a significant positive correlation to the revised EUSTAR disease activity index and modified activity index. CONCLUSION In a large single-centre cohort, the previously described ScleroID-related findings were confirmed. Furthermore, several organ involvement-related functional and performance tests showed a good correlation to the ScleroID including the 6MWT and gastrointestinal-related complaints. Many aspects of musculoskeletal damage, overall disease activity, pain and fatigue were also well represented in the ScleroID, which efficiently reflects the impact of organ involvement, disease activity and functional damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Nagy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rucsandra Dobrota
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mike Oliver Becker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tünde Minier
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Cecília Varjú
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kumánovics
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Varjú C, Pauling JD, Saketkoo LA. Multi-Organ System Screening, Care, and Patient Support in Systemic Sclerosis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:211-248. [PMID: 37028832 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.002] [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: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogenous systemic autoimmune disease of complex multi-organ manifestations with a disease-specific mortality of >50%. The patient journey is fraught with severe, diverse, and diffuse physical impairment, psychological burden, and diminishing health-related quality of life. SSc remains unfamiliar to many clinicians. Delayed/misdiagnosis, inadequate screening, and attention for common complications with potentially preventable disability/death contribute to patients feeling isolated and unsupported. We present actionable standards including screening, anticipatory guidance, and counseling in patient-centered SSc-care emphasizing psycho-social health as the central goal, whereas robust vigilance and efforts to improve biophysical health and survival are imperatives that support this goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Varjú
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - John D Pauling
- Department of Rheumatology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK; Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lesley Ann Saketkoo
- New Orleans Scleroderma and Sarcoidosis Patient Care and Research Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; University Medical Center - Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center and Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic Programs, New Orleans, LA, USA; Section of Pulmonary Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Serum-soluble ST2 and systemic sclerosis arthropathy. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:871-877. [PMID: 36098853 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06367-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)33 and its receptor ST2 have been involved in the pathogenesis of several conditions, including arthritis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between IL33 or soluble ST2 (sST2) serum levels and systemic sclerosis (SSc) articular involvement. IL33 and sST2 serum levels were measured in 64 SSc patients and 24 HC matched for sex and age. Articular involvement assessed by using Disease Activity Score 28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), presence of tendon friction rubs (TFRs) and finger-to-palm (FTP) distance. sST2 serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients with DAS28-ESR > 3.2 than in SSc patients with DAS28-ESR⩽3.2 [9726.1 (IQR 7746.5 - 14,953.5) pg/mL vs 7611.7 (IQR 5162.6 -11,036.7) pg/mL; p < 0.05]. sST2 serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients with TFRs compared to SSc patients without TFRs [9726.1 (IQR 7746.5 - 14,953.5) pg/mL vs 7426.4 (IQR 5145.9 - 10,593.5) pg/mL; p < 0.01] and in SSc patients with FTP ≥ 1 cm compared to SSc patients with FTP < 1 cm [9683.7 (IQR 8067.2 - 16,387.6) pg/mL vs 7679.1 (IQR 5246.1 - 11,472.2) pg/mL; p < 0.05]. No significant association was observed between IL33 and DAS28-ESR, TFRs and FTP. A slightly positive linear correlation was found between sST2 and Disease Activity Index (r = 0.294, p < 0.05) and Disease Severity Scale (r = 0.265, p < 0.05). sST2 serum levels were positively correlated with DAS28-ESR (r = 0.371, p < 0.01). Elevated sST2 serum levels were associated with higher articular disease activity, TFRs and hand dysfunction, suggesting that sST2 might have a role in the pathogenesis of SSc articular involvement. Key Points • In SSc patients elevated serum levels of sST2 were associated with higher articular disease activity • High serum levels of sST2 were reported in SSc patients with TFRs and hand dysfunction • sST2 might have a role in the pathogenesis of SSc articular involvement.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kiss F, Farkas N, Nagy G, Minier T, Kumánovics G, Faludi R, Czirják L, Varjú C. Minimal Clinically Important Differences (MCID) for the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:771. [PMID: 36613093 PMCID: PMC9819291 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by significant fatigue, causing diminished quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to examine fatigue levels and their associations with clinical factors and determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) value for the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-FS). (2) Methods: A total of 160 SSc patients and 62 individuals without SSc were followed-up over a 12-month period by measuring the FACIT-FS and the Visual Analogue Scale and the Short Form 36 Vitality Score analyzing changes in exhaustion. (3) Results: Fatigue was strongly correlated with HRQoL, level of pain, emotional disorders, physical capability and functionality. The MCID values for FACIT-FS were calculated as -3 for deterioration and +4 for improvement after a 12-month follow-up. The predictors of improvement of fatigue from baseline parameters were the significant disease activity, the patients' poorer functionality and the short disease duration. Patients with scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease at baseline had approximately tripled risks for worsening fatigue. The independent influential factors regarding the changing of FACIT-FS were improving or worsening in the same direction in reference to physical condition, gastrointestinal and emotional factors. (4) Conclusions: Fatigue is a multi-dimensional symptom, which is strongly correlated to HRQoL. MCID values of FACIT-FS can be useful tools in monitoring the changes of HRQoL in clinical trials and in daily practice among patients with SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franciska Kiss
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nelli Farkas
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Nagy
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Minier
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kumánovics
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Réka Faludi
- Heart Institute, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - László Czirják
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Cecília Varjú
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|