Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

Therapeutics targeting microRNA showed signs of success in mouse models of scleroderma — particularly in skin lesions with topical applications of miR-155 antagonist, according to the results of a study titled “Targeting miR-155 to Treat Experimental Scleroderma,” published in the journal Scientific Reports. MiRNA…

A new technique called nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a potential way of identifying systemic sclerosis patients at risk of disease progression and severity, according to a presentation titled “Sensitivity to Change of NAilfold Videocapillaparoscopy and Relationship with Disease Progression,” presented at the 4th Systemic Sclerosis World Congress recently held in Lisbon, Portugal.

A research team recently proposed that injecting fat and stromal vascular fraction in the face and hands of systemic sclerosis patients can significantly improve their functional capabilities and quality of life. The results were titled “Treating Scleroderma of the face and hands with fat and stromal vascular fraction” and were presented last…

A team of researchers at Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center developed an antiscarring paste that prevents the progression of fibrosis, representing a potential therapeutic for patients with scleroderma. The study, recently published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), is…

In a new study entitled “Systemic Sclerosis Patients Present Alterations in the Expression of Molecules Involved in B-Cell Regulation,” a team of researchers investigated whether patients with systemic sclerosis present changes in their immune B cells profile (including frequency and activation phenotypes), focusing particularly on the B…

In a recent study entitled “B regulatory cells are decreased and functionally impaired in patients with systemic sclerosis”, researchers report that a specific population of B cells – regulatory B cells – with established functions in immune suppression, have their numbers markedly reduced and functions impaired in systemic…

In a recent study entitled “Difficulties in diagnosis of systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease”, researchers present a case-report of a Caucasian woman and highlight the difficulties in identifying and diagnosing systemic sclerosis-associated with interstitial lung disease. The study was published in the Respirology Case Reports…

According to a study recently presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR), Rome, patients with systemic sclerosis harbor a unique microbiome in their gut when compared to healthy individuals, which may contribute to patients’ immune dysfunction. Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease (autoimmune diseases…

Patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SS), also known as scleroderma, have the highest risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), according to PH expert Harrison Farber, MD who recently presented his findings at the American College of Rheumatology State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium. Farber presented data showing that 60% of patients with PAH are…

In a new study entitled “Subclinical atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease in systemic sclerosis patients: Relation to potential risk factors,” authors suggest that patients with Systemic sclerosis may have increased risk of developing subclinical atherosclerotic macro vascular disease. The team highlights that further research is necessary to tackle both…