Fibroblasts from the skin of people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) can get more energy from their powerhouses, the mitochondria, than healthy skin fibroblasts, a small study found. Researchers zeroed in on some of the molecules that may make for the energy surplus and were able to identify small molecules…
Analyzing the global genetic activity of immune cells called monocytes can identify distinct groups among people with systemic scleroderma, a new study indicates. This type of analysis “may represent a viable mechanism for identifying patients and potentially their response to therapeutics,” its researchers wrote. The study, “…
Tobacco use by systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is linked to worsening gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but the immunosuppressive and anti-scarring medications used to treat the autoimmune disease aren’t, according to a recent analysis of data from a multicenter, U.S.-based patient registry. The findings are striking in light of previous…
People with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have lower-than-normal levels of the SPAG17 protein in their skin cells, which contributes to the excessive scarring that marks the disease, a study suggests. Mice lacking the protein developed signs of scarring, or fibrosis, consistent with that seen in people with SSc, also called scleroderma,…
Exposure to silica, a mineral used to make building materials, at work is associated with younger age at diagnosis, more severe disease, and reduced survival in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a study of more than 1,000 patients in Canada and Mexico. Also, those reporting on-the-job silica…
A grant of more than $400,000 has been awarded to a researcher who is searching for new ways to treat scleroderma, how the disease begins and progresses in the skin, and how it responds to treatments. The awardee is Karin Wuertz-Kozak, PhD, a professor in the biomedical engineering department…
Researchers have developed a 3D blood vessel-on-a-chip model to investigate problems with blood vessel growth in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a study reported. Immune-mediated changes to blood vessels is an early and central event in SSc development and usually occurs before the onset of fibrosis — the buildup of scar…
A protein called LMCD1 is present at higher levels in the lungs of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) linked to systemic sclerosis (SSc) than in healthy individuals, and may be a candidate target for the treatment of the disease, a small study suggests. Researchers found that the…
The active ingredient of EHP-101, a cannabidiol-derived medicine being developed by Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals (EHP), can set in motion a tissue’s response to low oxygen or hypoxia, which backs its use for treating systemic sclerosis (SSc) and multiple sclerosis (MS), a study in cells and mice found.
People with systemic sclerosis (SSc) show higher levels of certain antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus, which is suggestive of dormant viral infections becoming reactivated in these patients, a new study shows. The study, “Detection of Epstein–Barr virus in systemic sclerosis patients: A molecular and serological based…
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