Stacy Grieve, PhD,  —

Additional evidence that the antioxidant protein Nrf2 is a key regulator of fibrosis and autoimmunity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients has been described in a new study, providing further proof that this molecule may be a viable therapeutic target for treatment of the disease. The study, “…

Targeting the CD248 molecule may be a good therapeutic option for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) due to the central role it seems to play in the development of fibrosis, a study reports. Results of the study, “Blocking CD248 molecules in perivascular stromal cells of patients…

Although serological markers correlate with joint inflammation in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), markers that might accurately diagnose systemic sclerosis-rheumatoid arthritis (SSc-RA) overlap syndrome are still lacking, a new study reports. “Anti-CCP antibodies and rheumatoid factor in systemic sclerosis: Prevalence and relationships with joint manifestations” was…

Stretching increased skin movement, reduced skin thickness and improved mobility in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis (SSc), researchers reported. The study suggests that stretching is an under-used non-pharmacological way to treat SSc and deserves further investigation. The research, “Stretching reduces skin thickness and improves subcutaneous tissue mobility…

Despite differing reports within the scientific community, a new study confirms that serum levels of the TGF-β1 cytokine are significantly higher in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Cytokines are small proteins secreted by certain cells of the immune system that impact other cells. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a…