Novel Way to Slow Skin Fibrosis in Scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin. The prognosis for patients diagnosed with scleroderma is not typically a rosy one. With limited treatment options available, those suffering from the disorder can face disabling hardening and tightening of their skin. Scleroderma can also affect the blood vessels, lungs and other internal organs.

New and ongoing research at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City has identified a possible mechanism behind the fibrosis that occurs in scleroderma - a mechanism that may one day lead to a treatment for the disease.

Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the study reports that in laboratory research, a population of stem cells called "adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs)" is reduced in number in the layer of fat sitting under the skin. It appears that loss of these ADSCs may contribute to the skin fibrosis characteristic of scleroderma.

‘Loss of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) may contribute to the skin fibrosis characteristic of scleroderma.’

Moreover, the study authors found that the survival of those ADSCs that do remain beneath the skin in scleroderma are dependent on immune cells called "dendritic cells." Dendritic cells release a compound called lymphotoxin B that promotes ADSC survival; when antibodies that stimulate the lymphotoxin B receptor were administered with ADSCs to replenish the lost ADSCs, ADSC survival was found to be increased, suggesting a means for reversing the fibrosis of the skin.

"Injecting ADSCs is being tried in scleroderma; the possibility of stimulating the lymphotoxin B pathway to increase the survival of these stem cells is very exciting," says lead study author Theresa T. Lu. "By uncovering these mechanisms and targeting them with treatments, perhaps one day we can better treat the disease."

Dr. Lu also feels this strategy could be used to target stem-cells from other tissue sources in order to treat rheumatological and other conditions - such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis - and also to facilitate bone and cartilage repair.

In the coming years, Dr. Lu and her colleagues hope to test the applicability of their work in human cells, which could provide scleroderma patients with a welcome treatment option if proven safe and effective. "Improving ADSC therapy would be a major benefit to the field of rheumatology and to patients suffering from scleroderma," she says.

Source: Eurekalert

Scleroderma

Scleroderma or CREST syndrome is a chronic, auto immune disease which manifests as thick, dry, fibrous skin. Scleroderma/CREST syndrome is classified as rheumatic and connective tissue disease.

Treatment Strategies for Systemic Scleroderma Identified

Johns Hopkins researchers have greatly increased understanding of the causes of systemic sclerosis, using mice, lab-grown cells and clues from a related disorder.

Research Provides New Insights on Tissue Scarring in Scleroderma

Potential new treatments for breaking the cycle of tissue scarring in people with scleroderma could come about thanks to a discovery by Northwestern Medicine scientists.

Blocking Estrogen may Help Fight Scleroderma

Scleroderma, which means 'hardskin' is an autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs and which predominantly affects women.

Boils / Skin Abscess

Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general info about Boils / Skin Abscess

Cold Weather Injuries

Cold weather-related injuries can occur with or without freezing of tissues near the exposed part. The severity of the injuries is dependent on the temperature and the duration of exposure.

Dermatomyostitis

Dermatomyostitis (DM) is an uncommon, inflammatory disease affecting the connective tissues. It is characterized by symptoms such as skin rashes and muscle weakness.

Fibroscan for Fatty Liver Cirrhosis and Fibrosis

Recently, Fibroscan has incorporated the noninvasive Controlled Attenuation Parameter technique to estimate the degree of fatty infiltration in the liver.

Hives

Hives or Urticaria are allergic skin reaction that appear suddenly in clusters or as single bumps on the skin surface and can be itchy.

Pemphigus

Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes causing blisters and sores that fail to heal.

Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin disease that is not contagious. It manifests as oval-shaped, pink or red rash

Skin Self Examination

The skin self examination means checking one’s own skin for any visible abnormal growths or unusual change in its continuity and appearance.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by patches of unpigmented skin. Vitiligo is usually slowly progressive. Melanin is either destroyed or not produced.