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Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2021 May 11:1-6. Epub 2021 May 11.

Department of Internal Medicine, National Referral Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, APHP-Centre Université de Paris (CUP), Paris, France.

Uveitis can be associated with meningitis (uveomeningitis) and the inflammation shared with the central nervous system. We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcome of uveomeningitis. We retrospectively analyzed 110 consecutive adult patients with uveomeningitis. Read More

Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021 May 11. Epub 2021 May 11.

Dermatology, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho, Ponte de Lima, Portugal.

Autoimmunity 2021 May 11:1-8. Epub 2021 May 11.

Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas (LINAT), Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica - Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare complex disease characterized by vascular damage, autoimmunity, and extensive skin and internal organs fibrosis. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is encoded by gene (Lectin, Galactoside-Binding, Soluble, 3; 14q22.3) and it has been reported to play a central role in self-tolerance, inflammation, and fibrosis. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2021 ;1318:343-353

Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Neurological manifestations of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are reported to occur in as much as 37% of the affected patients. These manifestations range from headache and dizziness to altered mental status and consciousness, anosmia, ageusia, sensory disturbances, and stroke. The mechanisms by which the neurological symptoms arise are not yet determined but may either proceed as an indirect consequence of systemic hyperinflammation or result from the direct invasion of the virus to neural and glial cells. Read More

Ann Rheum Dis 2021 May 10. Epub 2021 May 10.

Rheumatology, Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission Hospital, Kochi, Kerala, India

Eur J Intern Med 2021 May 7. Epub 2021 May 7.

Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Regional Competence Center for Systemic and Autoimmune Rare Diseases, Nancy University Hospital, Lorraine University, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.

Objectives: Clinical significance of anti-Ro52 antibodies in connective tissue diseases (CTD) is controversial. Anti-Ro52 antibodies might be associated with a more severe CTD phenotype, especially interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aims of this study were to evaluate ILD prevalence and severity, the prevalence of micro- or macroangiopathy and CTD-associated cancers in CTD with anti-Ro52 antibodies. Read More

BMC Oral Health 2021 May 10;21(1):250. Epub 2021 May 10.

Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin road, Changsha, China.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem rheumatic disease. Orofacial manifestations are commonly in SSc but maybe usually ignored and overshadowed by other systemic complications. Multiple comparative studies have been conducted to investigate the possible links between SSc and oral manifestations. Read More

Autoimmun Rev 2021 May 7:102847. Epub 2021 May 7.

Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China. Electronic address:

Galectin family is a group of glycan-binding proteins. Members in this family are expressed in different tissues, immune or non-immune cells. These molecules are important regulators in innate and adaptive immune response, performing significantly in a broad range of cellular and pathophysiological functions, such as cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion. Read More

Autoimmun Rev 2021 May 7:102851. Epub 2021 May 7.

Division of Rheumatology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), CHUM Research Center, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Scleromyositis (SM) is an emerging subset of myositis associated with features of systemic sclerosis (SSc) but it is currently not recognized as a distinct histopathological subset by the European NeuroMuscular Center (ENMC). Our aim was to review studies reporting muscle biopsies from SSc patients with myositis and to identify unique histopathological features of SM.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted and included all studies reporting histopathological findings in SSc patients with myositis searching the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and EBM-Reviews. Read More

Front Immunol 2021 21;12:593473. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

T helper 17 (Th17) cells are characterized by the secretion of the IL-17 cytokine and are essential for the immune response against bacterial and fungal infections. Despite the beneficial roles of Th17 cells, unrestrained IL-17 production can contribute to immunopathology and inflammatory autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Although these diverse outcomes are directed by the activation of Th17 cells, the regulation of Th17 cells is incompletely understood. Read More

Intern Med 2021 May 7. Epub 2021 May 7.

Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Japan.

Primary skeletal muscle lymphoma is extremely uncommon, and there have only been eight previous case reports on primary skeletal muscle peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PSM-PTCL, NOS). We herein report an autopsy case of a 71-year-old woman with PSM-PTCL, NOS, who had a 24-year history of systemic sclerosis treated with immunosuppressive drugs. A post-mortem examination revealed infiltration of lymphoma cells positive for T-cell markers, cytotoxic markers, and p53. Read More

J Biomed Sci 2021 May 9;28(1):36. Epub 2021 May 9.

Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy.

Fibrosis can be defined as an excessive and deregulated deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, causing loss of physiological architecture and dysfunction of different tissues and organs. In the skin, fibrosis represents the hallmark of several acquired (e.g. Read More

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2021 May 5:101684. Epub 2021 May 5.

Toronto Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is common in rheumatic diseases. In the setting of systemic sclerosis (SSc), it can be complicated by digital ischemia that includes ulceration and gangrene. Systemic adverse effects may preclude the use of oral or topical vasodilators for the treatment of RP and its complications. Read More

Arthritis Res Ther 2021 May 8;23(1):137. Epub 2021 May 8.

Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.

Background: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (RALDH1)-producing dermal dendritic cells (DCs), a conventional DC subset regulating skin fibrosis, are decreased in the involved skin of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the contribution of Fli1 deficiency, a potential predisposing factor of SSc, to the phenotypical alteration of RALDH1-producing dermal DCs by using SSc model mice and SSc skin samples.

Methods: Bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis was generated with Fli1 and wild-type mice. Read More

Int J Surg Case Rep 2021 Apr 30;82:105936. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

Department of Surgery, Shiga General Hospital, Moriyama, 5-4-30 Moriyama, Moriyama, Shiga 524-8524, Japan. Electronic address:

Introduction And Importance: The most common liver malignancies are hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic tumors. Hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma may invade the portal vein (PV). An association between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) remains unclear. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2021 20;12:650605. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rheumatic disease characterized by fibrosis, microvascular damage and immune dysregulation. Two major subsets, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) can be defined, according to the extent of skin involvement. Increasing evidence indicates a role for galectins in immune and vascular programs, extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, suggesting their possible involvement in SSc. Read More

Cell Mol Immunol 2021 May 6. Epub 2021 May 6.

Division of Immunology, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of chronic neurological disability in young to middle-aged adults, affecting ~2.5 million people worldwide. Currently, most therapeutics for MS are systemic immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs, but these drugs are unable to halt or reverse the disease and have the potential to cause serious adverse events. Read More

J Am Coll Radiol 2021 May;18(5S):S199-S211

Specialty Chair, Riley Hospital for Children Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana.

In children, seizures represent an extremely heterogeneous group of medical conditions ranging from benign cases, such as a simple febrile seizure, to life-threatening situations, such as status epilepticus. Underlying causes of seizures also represent a wide range of pathologies from idiopathic cases, usually genetic, to a variety of acute and chronic intracranial or systemic abnormalities. This document discusses appropriate utilization of neuroimaging tests in a child with seizures. Read More

Phytother Res 2021 May 6. Epub 2021 May 6.

Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal.

Natural products and their derivatives are known to be useful for treating numerous diseases since ancient times. Because of their high therapeutic potentials, the use of different medicinal plants is possible to treat varied inflammation-mediated chronic diseases. Among natural products, phytosteroids have emerged as promising compounds mostly because they have diverse pharmacological activities. Read More

QJM 2021 May 6. Epub 2021 May 6.

Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan.

Arthritis Rheumatol 2021 May 5. Epub 2021 May 5.

Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Objective: We investigated the effect of B cell depletion on fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its mechanism of action.

Methods: Bleomycin-induced SSc (BLM-SSc) model mice were treated with anti-CD20 antibody, and skin and lung fibrosis was evaluated histopathologically. T cells and macrophages were co-cultured with B cells, and the effect of B cells on their differentiation was assessed by flow cytometry. Read More

Open Access Rheumatol 2021 28;13:79-91. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Unit of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune connective tissue disease, characterized by skin fibrosis, increased dermal thickness and microvascular involvement. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts deposit excessive amounts of collagenous and non-collagenous extracellular matrix components in the skin. This leads to microvascular abnormalities and Raynaud's phenomenon, with painful digital ulcers (DU) at the fingertips adding to patient discomfort. Read More

Genet Mol Biol 2021 3;44(2):e20200425. Epub 2021 May 3.

Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Endocrinologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the loss of self-tolerance, leading to immune-mediated tissue destruction and chronic inflammation. Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) protein plays a key role in immunity and apoptosis pathways. Studies have reported associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TYK2 gene and autoimmune diseases; however, results are still inconclusive. Read More

Neuromolecular Med 2021 May 4. Epub 2021 May 4.

Applied Biology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India.

Based on the findings in recent years, we summarize the therapeutic potential of vorinostat (VOR), the first approved histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, in disorders of brain, and strategies to improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects. Scientific evidences provide a strong case for the therapeutic utility of VOR in various disorders affecting brain, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, epilepsy, Niemann-Pick type C disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Further elucidation of the neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties of VOR using proper clinical study designs could provide momentum towards its clinical application. Read More

BMJ Open 2021 May 4;11(5):e047428. Epub 2021 May 4.

Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a rare, chronic, autoimmune disease with a high level of burden, a significant impact on the ability to carry out daily activities, and a considerable negative impact on health-related quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions could be provided to potentially improve mental and physical health outcomes. However, the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on health and well-being among individuals with SSc has not been well established. Read More

Semin Arthritis Rheum 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DUs) are important disease manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) that can lead to significant pain and disability. It is essential when studying these disease features to utilize outcome measures that fully evaluate the complexities of RP and DUs . The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Vascular Disease in SSc Working Group is applying the OMERACT filter 2. Read More

Cells 2021 Apr 29;10(5). Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) have been reportedly suggested as triggers of the onset and/or progression of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a severe autoimmune disorder characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of SSc are still largely unknown but virological and immunological observations support a role for these beta-herpesviruses, and we recently observed a direct impact of HCMV and HHV-6 infection on the expression of cell factors associated with fibrosis at the cell level. Since miRNA expression has been found profoundly deregulated at the tissue level, here we aimed to investigate the impact on cell microRNome (miRNome) of HCMV and HHV-6 infection in in vitro infected primary human dermal fibroblasts, which represent one of the main SSc target cells. Read More

Semin Arthritis Rheum 2021 Apr 16;51(3):576-587. Epub 2021 Apr 16.

Applied Physiology & Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Rheumatology Division, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rhematology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Disciplina de Reumatologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, ZIP code: 01246-903, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil; Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address:

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) has been receiving increasing interest in recent years as an adjuvant therapy for autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARDs), but there is scarce information about the efficacy of home-based PA for patients with ARDs.

Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of home-based physical activity (PA) interventions in improving health-related quality of life, functional capacity, pain, and disease activity in patients with ARDs.

Methods: Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, CINAHL database and Sport Discus. Read More

J Oral Implantol 2021 May 4. Epub 2021 May 4.

Universite de Strasbourg 1: Universite de Strasbourg Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire 8 rue Sainte Elisabeth FRANCE STRASBOURG Alsace 67000 Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire - Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Orales et Dentaires - INSERM UMR_S 1109 - Strasbourg, France.

Systemic sclerosis is a rare multisystem autoimmune disorder that significantly impacts the orofacial region. Several oral features including microstomia and increased tooth loss contribute to the mouth-related disability. Prosthetic rehabilitation is very challenging in these patients. Read More

J Dermatolog Treat 2021 May 4:1-12. Epub 2021 May 4.

Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been considered for treatment of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Objectives: To study the 12-month effects of ECP on laboratory parameters and evaluate the SSc-related long-term survival.

Methods: 59 SSc patients who had received at least 6 ECP cycles were included. Read More