José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

Having interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with a greater risk of lung cancer in scleroderma patients, according to Canadian researchers. Their findings also demonstrate that male sex and smoking are predictors for increased risk. Their study, “Interstitial lung disease is associated with an increased risk of lung…

Nailfold capillary damage was found to be a predictor of mortality in scleroderma patients, according to researchers from Australia. The study, “The role of Nailfold Capillary Dropout on Mortality in Systemic Sclerosis,” was published in the Internal Medicine Journal. Microvasculopathy, which refers to the degeneration…

Major healthcare organizations are throwing their support behind an initiative called “Let MI Doctors Decide” intended to improve patient access to prescribed medicines for scleroderma and other autoimmune disorders in Michigan. “Let MI Doctors Decide” is spearheaded by the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). Organizations joining a new…

Throughout 2018, Scleroderma News provided daily coverage of treatment developments, clinical trials, risk factors, and non-pharmacological approaches related to scleroderma. As we look forward to reporting more news to patients, family members, and caregivers dealing with the disease in 2019, here are the 10 most-read articles of 2018, with a…

The innate immune system and small RNA molecules known as microRNA are key factors in the development of scleroderma, according to a study based on previously published research. The study, “Inflammasome lights up in systemic sclerosis,” was published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy. The…

Restoring the activity of the protein adiponectin ameliorates skin fibrosis in mouse models of scleroderma, a new study shows. The study, “Adiponectin is an endogenous anti-fibrotic mediator and therapeutic target,” appeared in the journal Scientific…

Skin levels of aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a protein which promotes skin hydration and wound healing, are reduced in the cells of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a new study. The study, “Downregulation of Aquaporin3 in Systemic Sclerosis Dermal Fibroblasts,” appeared in the…