News

Inhalation of dust particles containing silica is linked to a higher prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc), namely the diffuse forms of the disease, along with muscle inflammation and lung scarring, a study suggests. The study, “High serum levels of silica nanoparticles in systemic sclerosis patients with occupational exposure:…

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are more likely to experience stiffness in the right atrium, or upper chamber, of the heart, which is significantly linked to worse functional capacity, a study suggests. Results revealed that other right atrium features related…

Patients with both scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are younger at diagnosis, are more often women, and have less skin manifestations, but most importantly, show similar survival rates as those without lupus, according to a study. The study, “Epidemiology and Survival of Systemic Sclerosis-Systemic Lupus…

A protein involved in inflammation and tissue regrowth — HMGB1 — may be the main driver of blood vessel damage and tissue fibrosis in scleroderma, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target, according to a study. The study, “Platelet microparticles sustain autophagy-associated activation of neutrophils in…

Light therapy delivered locally using a lamp that emits infrared, red and ultraviolet light reduced by 83 percent the burden of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, a new study reports. The study, “A feasibility study of a novel low-level light therapy for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis,”…

High protein levels in the urine, poor kidney function, and high blood pressure at the time of systemic sclerosis (SSc) diagnosis are strong predictors for the future development of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), a study suggests. These and other laboratory findings…

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…

A key innate immunity protein called TLR4 is a key driver of organ fibrosis, according to a new study conducted in mice and scleroderma patients. The finding suggests that targeting TLR4 may be an effective therapeutic strategy in certain patients. The study, “TLR4-dependent fibroblast activation…

A protein called BAFF, or B-cell activating factor, was found to drive skin and lung fibrosis in systemic scleroderma (SSc) by altering the balance between two subsets of immune B-cells in a mouse model, indicating its potential as a future therapeutic target, a study reports. Researchers observed that these…

A lower score on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) correlates with disease severity and mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), supporting its validity in assessing the prognosis of these patients, a study reports. Results also showed that an additional meter walked during the test corresponded with a…