Systemic sclerosis / Esclerosis sistemica

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****** DATA-MÉDICOS **********
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ESCLEROSIS SISTÉMICA /SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS
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****** DERMAGIC-EXPRESS No.53 *******
****** 18 MAYO DE 1.999 ***********
18 MAY 1.999
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EDITORIAL ESPAÑOL:
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Saludos amigos de la red,,, DERMAGIC una vez mas con ustedes. LA ESCLERODERMIA, (ESCLEROSIS SISTÉMICA) temida enfermedad, asociada como muchas otras enfermedades a los Antígenos de Histocompatibilidad (HLA), de tratamiento difícil y futuro incierto.

Estas 37 referencias muestran algo de las nuevas tendencias diagnósticas y terapéuticas.

PRÓXIMA EDICIÓN: HLA Y COLAGENOSIS

Saludos a TODOS !!!

Dr. José Lapenta R.,,,

EDITORIAL ENGLISH:
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Greetings friends of the net, DERMAGIC once again with you. THE ESCLERODERMA, (SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS) feared illness, associate as many other illnesses to the Histocompatibility antigens (HLA), of difficult treatment and uncertain future.

These 37 references show something of the new tendencies about diagnose and therapeutic.

NEXT EDITIONS: HLA AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES.

Greetings to ALL, !!

Dr. José Lapenta R.,,,

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DERMAGIC/EXPRESS(53)
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LA ESCLEROSIS SISTÉMICA / THE SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS
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1.)HLA and clinical associations in systemic sclerosis patients with anti-Th/To antibodies.
2.) Heterogenous nuclear RNP C1 and C2 core proteins are targets for an autoantibody found in the serum of a patient with systemic sclerosis and psoriatic arthritis.
3.) Gene expression of types I and III collagen, decorin, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in skin fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis.
4.) [Effects of various prokinetic drugs on gastrointestinal transit times in patients with progressive systemic scleroderma]
5.) Fetal-maternal HLA compatibility confers susceptibility to systemic sclerosis.
6.) Skin involvement as a relevant outcome measure in clinical trials of systemic sclerosis.
7.) Epidemiology of systemic sclerosis and related diseases.
AU: Mayes-MD
8.) Type 2 helper T-cell predominance and high CD30 expression in systemic sclerosis.
9.) Impaired quantitative cerebral blood flow in scleroderma patients.
10.) [A patient with systemic scleroderma showing improvement during long-term hemodialysis after renal crisis]
11.) ["Primary" diffuse interstitial fibrosis in coal miners: a new entity? Study Group on Interstitial Pathology of the Society of Thoracic Pathology of the North]
12.) Effect of iloprost infusion on the resistance index of renal vessels of patients with systemic sclerosis.
13.) In situ expression and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptors in patients with early stages of systemic sclerosis.
14.) Anorectal function in systemic sclerosis: correlation with esophageal dysfunction?
15.) Elevated soluble Fas/APO-1 (CD95) levels in silicosis patients without clinical symptoms of autoimmune diseases or malignant tumours.
16.) The coagulation/fibrinolysis balance in systemic sclerosis: evidence for a haematological stress syndrome.
17.) Autoantigen components recognizable by scleroderma sera are exported via ectocytosis of fibroblasts.
18.) Scleroderma, D-penicillamine treatment, and progressive renal failure associated with positive antimyeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.
19.) [Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome) in a patient with scleroderma treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis]
20.) Association of DM genes in systemic sclerosis is secondary to the association with HLA genes.
21.) Choosing appropriate patients with systemic sclerosis for treatment by autologous stem cell transplantation.
22.) Development of a protocol for allogeneic marrow transplantation for severe systemic sclerosis: paradigm for autoimmune disease.
23.) Hypothesis for the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.
24.) Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases.
25.) The evolving role of blood and marrow transplantation for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
26.) Systemic scleroderma. Multicenter trial of 1 year of treatment with recombinant interferon gamma [see comments]
27.) Characterization of antinucleolar antibody reactivity in patients with systemic sclerosis and their relatives.
28.) [Systemic scleroderma and sarcoidosis: 3 new cases]
29.) [Cardiopathy in systemic sclerosis]
30.) Scleroderma and pregnancy.
31.) Epidemiology of systemic sclerosis.
32.) Gastrointestinal features of scleroderma.
33.) Systemic sclerosis in German uranium miners under special consideration of autoantibody subsets and HLA class II alleles.
34.) DNA allelic alterations within VNTR loci of scleroderma families.
35.) Treatment of systemic sclerosis.
36.) Iloprost effects on phagocytes in patients suffering from ischaemic diseases: in vivo evidence for down-regulation of alpha M beta 2 integrin.
37.) Association of esophagitis and esophageal strictures with diseases treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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1.)HLA and clinical associations in systemic sclerosis patients with anti-Th/To antibodies.
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AU: Falkner-D; Wilson-J; Medsger-TA Jr; Morel-PA
SO: Arthritis-Rheum. 1998 Jan; 41(1): 74-80

AB: OBJECTIVE. To determine the clinical and immunogenetic features of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with anti-Th/To autoantibodies.

METHODS. HLA class II alleles were determined by DNA oligotyping in a large group of SSc patients with anticentromere antibodies (ACA), anti-topoisomerase I (anti-topo I), and anti-Th/To autoantibodies.

RESULTS. Clinical features of the 28 anti-Th/To-positive SSc patients were similar to those observed in the 56 ACA-positive SSc patients, except for a decreased frequency of gastrointestinal involvement in anti-Th/To-positive patients. Immunogenetic analysis revealed a significant increase in the frequency of HLA-DR11 in the anti-Th/To-positive and the anti-topo I-positive patients. The anti-Th/To-positive patients also had a significant reduction in the frequency of HLA-DR7, similar to that seen in ACA-positive SSc patients.

CONCLUSION. Despite clinical and immunogenetic similarities with both the ACA- and anti-topo I-positive patients, anti-Th/To-positive SSc patients present a characteristic pattern of clinical and immunogenetic features that may have implications regarding etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment.

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2.) Heterogenous nuclear RNP C1 and C2 core proteins are targets for an autoantibody found in the serum of a patient with systemic sclerosis and psoriatic arthritis.
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AU: Stanek-D; Vencovsky-J; Kafkova-J; Raska-I
SO: Arthritis-Rheum. 1997 Dec; 40(12): 2172-7

AB: OBJECTIVE. To determine a target recognized by anti-Bh autoantibody, found in the serum of a patient with the unusual coexistence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS. Antigens recognized by the anti-Bh serum were characterized by indirect immunofluorescence on HeLa cells, by conventional immunoblotting using nuclear extract or partially purified preparation of heterogenous nuclear RNP (hnRNP) proteins, and by 2-dimensional immunoblotting. For the analysis of cross-reactivity and immunofluorescence patterns, autoantibodies were affinity-purified by blot elution and then retested.

RESULTS. Comparison of the reactivity of the anti-Bh antibody with the monoclonal antibody 4F4 against both the hnRNP C proteins, together with the determination of biochemical properties of the autoantigens, led to the identification of C1 and C2 core proteins as the targets for the anti-Bh autoantibody.

CONCLUSION. Several essential components of the spliceosome are targeted by autoantibodies that are present in the sera of patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. We also found that the hnRNP core proteins C1 and C2 are recognized by the autoantibody present in the serum of a patient with SSc and PsA. C1 and C2 hnRNP proteins should be added to the several intracellular autoantigens recently shown to be cleaved by interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme-like enzymes during apoptosis.

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3.) Gene expression of types I and III collagen, decorin, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in skin fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis.
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AU: Kuroda-K; Shinkai-H
SO: Arch-Dermatol-Res. 1997 Sep; 289(10): 567-72

AB: Cultured fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and normal individuals were examined for gene expression of types I and III collagen, decorin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, urokinase- and tissue-type plasminogen activators (u-PA and t-PA).

Fibroblasts from patients with early stage SSC (less than 1 year duration of disease) exhibited higher levels of types I and III procollagen, decorin, MMP-1, MMP-3, TIMP-1, and PAs than those from normal individuals. The gene expression of procollagen alpha 1(I) and TIMP-1 mRNAs were increased, but those of decorin, MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 were decreased, in fibroblasts from SSc patients with mid-stage SSc (2 to 4 years duration) as compared with those from normal individuals.

In contrast, no significant difference in gene expression was found between fibroblasts from normal individuals and from patients with late-stage SSc (more than 6 years duration). These results suggest that gene expression of collagen, decorin, and degrading factors is dynamically modulated during fibrillogenesis. The responses of procollagen alpha 1(I) mRNA to IL-1 and TGF-beta were lower in fibroblasts from SSc patients with early and mid-stage disease, but not in those from patients with-late stage disease, than in control fibroblasts, which indicates that these cytokines may be involved in the earlier phases of fibrosis in SSc.

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4.) [Effects of various prokinetic drugs on gastrointestinal transit times in patients with progressive systemic scleroderma]
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AU: Folwaczny-C; Laritz-M; Meurer-M; Endres-SP; Konig-A; Schindlbeck-N
SO: Z-Gastroenterol. 1997 Oct; 35(10): 905-12

AB: The intestine is involved in about half of the cases with progressive-systemic sclerosis. Intestinal transit disturbances which are caused by neuropathy of the enteric nerve system occur frequently. However, upto-date only few studies which determined the effect of prokinetic drugs exist.

Patients with intestinal involvement caused by progressive-systemic sclerosis were treated with the prokinetic drugs cisapride (20 mg, TID; n = 9), erythromycin (250 mg, TID; n = 7) and octreotide (50 micrograms s. c., at night time; n = 5) over a period of four weeks. At study entry and after each treatment period the transit times through the stomach, small and large intestine were evaluated by use of the metal-detector test.

Gastric emptying was only accelerated by erythromycin (42 +/- 3 min vs. 54 +/- 6 min; p = 0.0422), whereas treatment with cisapride and octreotide did not result in significant changes (48 +/- 4 min; p = 0.3743 and 44 +/- 4 min; p = 0.1975; resp.). Small intestinal transit times were not altered significantly by cisapride (108 +/- 15 min vs. 108 +/- 9 min; p = 0.2733), crythromycin (92 +/- 8 min; p = 0.0707) or octreotide (106 +/- 12 min; p = 0.8927).

Furthermore colonic transit was not fastened by none of the prokinetic agents (study entry: 68 +/- 12 h; cisapride: 88 +/- 12 h; p = 0.0569; erythromycin 77 +/- 14 h; p = 0.7349; octreotide 107 +/- 14 h; p = 0.8927). Four patients were withdrawn from the study because of diarrhea. Prokinetic drugs do not seem to have a major impact on intestinal transit times in patients with progressive-systemic sclerosis. The use of these drugs is limited because of frequent side effects.

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5.) Fetal-maternal HLA compatibility confers susceptibility to systemic sclerosis.
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AU: Artlett-CM; Welsh-KI; Black-CM; Jimenez-SA
SO: Immunogenetics. 1998; 47(1): 17-22

AB: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease of unknown origin, which occurs predominantly in women after childbearing years. There are prominent clinical and histopathologic similarities between SSc and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD can occur after blood transfusions or after transplantation with HLA-compatible bone marrow.

Here we examined the hypothesis that SSc may be caused by fetal cells crossing the placenta into the maternal circulation and providing donor lymphocytes which recognize disparate HLA antigens, resulting in a reaction similar to chronic GVHD. To test the hypothesis we analyzed the inheritance of HLA class I and class II haplotypes in the families of 37 SSc patients and 42 control individuals. Twenty-six (70.2%) SSc patients had HLA class II alleles compatible either for their offspring or mother, compared with only nine (21%) control individuals. The four patients with juvenile onset SSc we analyzed had alleles compatible with their mothers.

These results suggest that in some patients, SSc may, indeed, be a form of chronic GVHD caused by fetal or maternal cells which have crossed the placenta during pregnancy and have remained unrecognized by the host due to class II HLA compatibility, and that subsequent activation of these cells by as yet unknown stimuli result in the development of the disease.

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6.) Skin involvement as a relevant outcome measure in clinical trials of systemic sclerosis.
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AU: Seibold-JR; McCloskey-DA
SO: Curr-Opin-Rheumatol. 1997 Nov; 9(6): 571-5

AB: Advances in our understanding of the pathobiology of scleroderma and the ever-increasing availability of rational candidate therapies have brought the clinical study of scleroderma to the forefront. In the 1990s, consensus measures of outcome have been developed for common disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. With decisions founded on extensive and validated data, the clinical research community and regulatory agencies have accepted the importance of a demonstration of small degrees of change over relatively short periods of time. The current level of sophistication in scleroderma research is reminiscent of our approach to the study of rheumatoid arthritis in the early 1970s. Accessible, reproducible, and cost-effective measures of outcome are needed in scleroderma. These measures should incorporate clinical meaningfulness and be relevant to quality of life. This review discusses some of the more recent studies of outcome measures in scleroderma, some or all of which are considered relevant to both drug development and clinical care of the individual patients.

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7.) Epidemiology of systemic sclerosis and related diseases.
AU: Mayes-MD
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SO: Curr-Opin-Rheumatol. 1997 Nov; 9(6): 557-61
AB: Epidemiologic studies of scleroderma can provide insight into the dynamics of disease expression over time, over different geographic areas, and over diverse ethnic populations. Although such population studies cannot establish cause and effect relationships, they can reveal associations previously obscured by the relative rarity and clinical diversity of this disease.

The incidence rate of systemic sclerosis has been stable over the past 20 years at 19 new cases per million per year.

The incidence rate of localized scleroderma or morphea is reported at 27 new cases per million per year and has a benign prognosis overall. Disease expression of systemic scleroderma is influenced by genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors.

A cluster of scleroderma cases among Choctaw Native Americans in Oklahoma provides an opportunity to investigate the interaction of genetic and environmental influences.

Twin studies suggest a definite but relatively weak genetic component. Case-control studies regarding environmental and occupational exposures have yet to identify risk factors that could serve as triggers for this disease.

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8.) Type 2 helper T-cell predominance and high CD30 expression in systemic sclerosis.
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AU: Mavalia-C; Scaletti-C; Romagnani-P; Carossino-AM; Pignone-A; Emmi-L; Pupilli-C; Pizzolo-G; Maggi-E; Romagnani-S
SO: Am-J-Pathol. 1997 Dec; 151(6): 1751-8

AB: The pattern of cytokine production of skin-infiltrating T cells from patients with progressive systemic sclerosis was investigated. Most CD4+ T-cell clones generated from skin biopsy specimens showed a type 2 helper (Th2) cytokine profile (production of interleukin-4, but no interferon (IFN)-gamma).

High interleukin-4 but little or no IFN-gamma mRNA expression was found by in situ hybridization in skin perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed CD30 expression by high numbers of CD4+ T cells in the same specimens. Finally, the great majority of patients with diffuse disease had elevated levels of soluble CD30 in their sera.

These data suggest the existence in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis of a predominant activation of Th2-like T cells, which may account for the major alterations (endothelial cell injury, fibrosis, and autoantibody production) occurring in this disease.

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9.) Impaired quantitative cerebral blood flow in scleroderma patients.
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AU: Nobili-F; Cutolo-M; Sulli-A; Castaldi-A; Sardanelli-F; Accardo-S; Rosadini-G; Rodriguez-G
SO: J-Neurol-Sci. 1997 Nov 6; 152(1): 63-71

AB: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease characterised by proliferation of vascular tissue, obliterative microvascular lesions and diffuse organ fibrosis. Despite widespread vascular disease, Central Nervous System complaints are only infrequently reported and it is uncertain whether they merely derive from systemic complications or whether they may be also caused by a primary vascular process within the brain.

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was quantitatively measured by the 133Xenon clearance technique in twenty-seven consecutive SSc patients without relevant systemic complications and with different severity of vascular involvement, as staged by nailfold capillary videomicroscopy (NCV). Absolute, percent, and asymmetry rCBF values were compared (z-statistics) with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Cerebral MRI and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were also performed. Doppler sonography of neck vessels and Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) were performed in patients presenting rCBF reduction. Cerebral hypoperfusion was found in the 52% of patients, i.e.: in 33% of patients with the 'early' NCV pattern, in 56% of patients with the 'active' pattern, and in 67% of patients with the 'late' NCV pattern. Thirty percent were the MRIs showing focal and/or diffuse signal abnormalities in the white matter of both hemispheres with the highest rate (44%) in the 'late' NCV pattern. MMSE disclosed mild dementia in one patient in the 'late' NCV group and some mistakes in 6 more patients, in the 'active' or 'late' NCV groups, whereas TCD failed to find significant stenosis of Willis' arteries.

Cerebral hypoperfusion is shown for the first time in a substantial part of SSc patients without either neurological symptoms or relevant systemic complications. It is suggested that the rCBF reduction might be related to the systemic scleroderma microangiopathy although, probably due to the paucity of connective tissue in cerebral vessels, the vast majority of patients remains in a subclinical phase.

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10.) [A patient with systemic scleroderma showing improvement during long-term hemodialysis after renal crisis]
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AU: Fuse-Y; Muramatsu-M; Sugiyama-S; Maeda-K
SO: Ryumachi. 1997 Aug; 37(4): 574-80

AB: A 68-year-old man experienced systemic pruritus since he was 63 years old, and systemic sclerosis and skin pigmentation were observed when he was 64. When he developed dyspnea the same year, he was admitted and SSc was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical and skin biopsy findings, lung fibrosis on X-P and TBLB findings. At 65, his dyspnea reappeared along with elevated blood pressure, acute renal failure and lung congestion, and he was diagnosed as having a scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) from the clinical and renal biopsy findings.

Hemodialysis was started because he showed mental disturbance, and this and other acute symptoms were subsequently reduced. As he showed no recovery from his renal failure, the patient has been maintained on hemodialysis for over four years now. In the meantime, his sclerosis has improved and antinuclear antibody almost disappeared.

Hemodialysis appears to be the most likely reason for his improvement, although spontaneous remission, D-penicillamine and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy may also have contributed, considering the short period and the small amount of drugs given until improvement.

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11.) ["Primary" diffuse interstitial fibrosis in coal miners: a new entity? Study Group on Interstitial Pathology of the Society of Thoracic Pathology of the North]
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AU: Brichet-A; Wallaert-B; Gosselin-B; Remy-Jardin-M; Voisin-C; Lafitte-JJ; Tonnel-AB
SO: Rev-Mal-Respir. 1997 Sep; 14(4): 277-85

AB: It is well known that silica exposure leads in an experimental model to the development of an acute fibrotic process. In human beings two main observations have already been done: (1) silica exposure is frequently associated with the development of connective tissue disease (CTD), especially progressive systemic sclerosis; (2) 10 to 20% patients with CTD developed pulmonary fibrosis.

In this context we report 26 cases of coal miners who presented with clinical, radiological, biological and functional characteristics mimicking idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), with or without associated coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP). All were men; mean age was 68 +/- 9.2 years. Twenty-three were smokers. Duration of exposure was 28.8 +/- 9.1 years. All the patients had dyspnea (stage III, IV in the NHYA classification) and diffuse crackles. Eleven out of 26 had finger clubbing.

Computed tomography showed honeycombing (23 cases), and/or ground glass opacities (6 cases) with bronchiectasis (3 cases) predominant in the lower lobes; 19 had radiological signs of CWP, micronodules (n = 16) and nodules (n = 3) predominant in the upper lobes. BAL exhibited an increased % of neutrophils (11.9 +/- 16.1%). Lung function demonstrated a restrictive pattern (TLC = 73 +/- 15.6% and VC = 80 +/- 18% of predicted values) associated with a decreased DLCO (51.8 +/- 23.6% of predicted values) and hypoxemia (at rest = 66.5 +/- 11.2 mmHg, upon effort = 56 +/- 12 mmHg).

Lung biopsies were performed in four cases and demonstrated interstitial fibrosis of intraalveolar septum with an accumulation of immune and inflammatory cells similar to the one described in IPF. The association between IPF and silica exposure with or without associated CWP points out the problem of legal recognition of idiopathic-like pulmonary fibrosis as a complication of the occupational exposure of coal workers.

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12.) Effect of iloprost infusion on the resistance index of renal vessels of patients with systemic sclerosis.
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AU: Scorza-R; Rivolta-R; Mascagni-B; Berruti-V; Bazzi-S; Castagnone-D; Quarto-di-Palo-F
SO: J-Rheumatol. 1997 Oct; 24(10): 1944-8

AB: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of iloprost, a stable prostacycline analog, on kidney blood flow in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), using color flow Doppler sonography.

METHODS: The acute effect of the drug was studied in 10 patients with SSc with elevated resistance index (RI) levels (all RI values reported are multiplied by 100). Iloprost was administered intravenously (2 ng/kg/min for a period of 8 h). To study the effects of chronic drug administration, 16 patients with SSc were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 8 cases each. The first group was treated with 9 infusions of iloprost in 6 mo. The second group was treated with slow release nifedipine (40 mg/day) for 6 mo.

RESULTS: Interlobar artery RI (median 67 vs 61; p = 0.02) and cortical vessel RI (median 65 vs 54; p = 0.001) were reduced after acute treatment. In chronic drug administration, RI values were not modified by nifedipine, while iloprost reduced the RI of the interlobar (median 69 vs 61; p < 0.03) and cortical arteries (median 66 vs 58: p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest iloprost might be useful for treatment of scleroderma renal vasospasm.

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13.) In situ expression and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptors in patients with early stages of systemic sclerosis.
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AU: Gruschwitz-MS; Albrecht-M; Vieth-G; Haustein-UF
SO: J-Rheumatol. 1997 Oct; 24(10): 1936-43

AB: OBJECTIVE: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important cytokine in the early stage of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which is characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration and microvascular alterations. Most effects of TNF-alpha are mediated by its interaction with 2 types of TNF receptors and depend on their surface expression on individual cell subsets. Our purpose was to correlate the serum levels of soluble TNF receptors-TNF-RI(p55) and RII(p75)-with (1) their in situ expression and distribution in lesional skin and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and (2) the clinical disease progression and inflammatory serum variables in patients with SSc.

METHODS: Serum samples of 32 patients with SSc and 36 healthy probands were examined by ELISA. We performed immunohistological stainings and in situ hybridization on cryostat sections of skin lesions, cytometric analysis on PBMC, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions using RNA from cultured skin fibroblasts in 17 of these 36 patients.

RESULTS: In contrast to healthy skin and chronic fibrotic SSc, TNF-RI is expressed on about 30% of mononuclear infiltrating cells in early skin lesions. Neither TNF-RI nor RII was detectable on fibroblasts by immunohistochemistry, but specific mRNA could be found on the transcriptional level. TNF-RII is found on most lymphocytes and on 30-50% of endothelial cells, especially in early SSc. Expression of both receptor types on PBMC in patients and controls was not significantly different. Serum levels of soluble TNF-RI and RII correlated well with their in situ expression and with clinical and laboratory signs of inflammation and disease progression in patients with SSc.

CONCLUSION: Our data provide evidence for a central role of the TNF-alpha/TNF-R system in the early pathological events of scleroderma with prominent inflammation and endothelial cell damage. Determination of TNF-R serum levels provides a useful diagnostic tool for characterization of the disease stage and progression, and to guide experimental therapy in patients with SSc.

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14.) Anorectal function in systemic sclerosis: correlation with esophageal dysfunction?
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AU: Lock-G; Zeuner-M; Lang-B; Hein-R; Scholmerich-J; Holstege-A
SO: Dis-Colon-Rectum. 1997 Nov; 40(11): 1328-35

AB: PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare esophageal and anorectal function parameters in patients with systemic sclerosis and to define the role of anorectal manometry in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal involvement of systemic sclerosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six consecutive patients (22 females) with systemic sclerosis originally referred for assessment of esophageal function were evaluated by esophageal and anorectal manometry. Anorectal function parameters were compared between patients with normal and those with disturbed esophageal function.

RESULTS: A total of 17 of 26 patients (65 percent) had severe esophageal dysfunction with aperistalsis of the lower two-thirds of the esophagus, whereas 9 patients (35 percent) had normal esophageal manometry. Only three patients (11.5 percent) suffered from occasional fecal incontinence. Anorectal function parameters (resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, perception threshold) were not significantly different between patients with normal and those with disturbed esophageal motility. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex was excitable in nearly 90 percent of patients.

CONCLUSION: In an unselected group of patients with systemic sclerosis, fecal incontinence and abnormal anorectal function are rather rare findings. Anorectal manometry cannot differentiate between patients with and without gastrointestinal involvement of systemic sclerosis.

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15.) Elevated soluble Fas/APO-1 (CD95) levels in silicosis patients without clinical symptoms of autoimmune diseases or malignant tumours.
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AU: Tomokuni-A; Aikoh-T; Matsuki-T; Isozaki-Y; Otsuki-T; Kita-S; Ueki-H; Kusaka-M; Kishimoto-T; Ueki-A
SO: Clin-Exp-Immunol. 1997 Nov; 110(2): 303-9

AB: Soluble Fas (sFas) is produced as translation products of alternative mRNA splicing, and antagonizes the membranous Fas molecule in Fas/Fas ligand interactions. We investigated the serum sFas levels in 64 Japanese silicosis patients with no clinical symptoms of autoimmune diseases or malignant tumours, using ELISA for sFas. The serum sFas levels in the silicosis patients were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers.

Elevated serum sFas levels were also detected in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus but, unexpectedly, no difference was observed in sFas levels between progressive systemic sclerosis patients and healthy volunteers. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the expression of Fas on peripheral blood lymphocytes between the patients with silicosis and age-matched healthy volunteers.

These observations provided the first evidence that serum sFas levels are elevated in silicosis patients without clinical symptoms of autoimmune diseases or malignant tumours. It remains to be clarified whether patients with elevated sFas levels have a tendency to develop autoimmune diseases later, or whether some other distinct factor(s) is necessary to initiate the progression of autoimmune diseases.

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16.) The coagulation/fibrinolysis balance in systemic sclerosis: evidence for a haematological stress syndrome.
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AU: Ames-PR; Lupoli-S; Alves-J; Atsumi-T; Edwards-C; Iannaccone-L; Khamashta-MA; Hughes-GR; Brancaccio-V
SO: Br-J-Rheumatol. 1997 Oct; 36(10): 1045-50

AB: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease characterized by progressive microvascular occlusion and fibrosis resulting in irreversible organ damage, the pathogenesis of which is felt to be of vascular origin. To gain a comprehensive view of the coagulation/fibrinolytic balance in SSc, a number of haemostatic and fibrinolytic variables were measured in 26 SSc patients (11 limited, 15 diffuse) and in 22 control subjects.

Of the coagulation activation markers, the mean plasma level of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), but not of thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), was higher in SSc patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Plasma levels of fibrin split product D-dimer (DD), fibrinogen (FNG) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were higher amongst patients than controls (P < 0.001). vWF and FNG levels were positively correlated (P < 0.001). Mean levels of DD and vWF were more elevated in patients with diffuse than limited disease (P = 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). On the fibrinolytic side, defective tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) release (venous occlusion test, stimulated level < basal level) was noted in 46% (12/26) of SSc patients, but only in 4% (1/22) of controls.

Patients had higher mean levels of tPA inhibitor (PAI) than controls (P < 0.001), levels being more elevated amongst patients with diffuse than limited disease (P = 0.01). An abnormally high lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level was found in 9% (2/20) of control subjects, but in 30% (8/26) of SSc patients (P = 0.04) where it clustered with fibrinolytic defects. Altogether, these data suggest that patients with SSc are in a hypercoagulable state characterized by elevated plasma levels of FNG and vWF, by a dual hypofibrinolytic pattern (defective tPA release and elevated PAI), and by increased thrombin generation with enhanced fibrin formation.

Higher levels of vWF, DD and PAI in patients with diffuse disease are consistent with more extensive (micro)vascular involvement, although no causal relationship can be inferred. The lack of a parallel increase of TAT with F1 + 2, in the presence of normal levels of antithrombin III (ATIII), indirectly suggests an impairment of the heparan sulphate-ATIII system which would favour thrombin generation. Since thrombin may act as a mitogen for fibroblasts, may upregulate vWF, PAI and endothelin production by endothelial cells, and may promote fibrin deposition on the vessel wall leading to worsening of microvascular occlusions, limitation of thrombin generation, besides fibrinolytic enhancement, could represent a possible coadjuvant interventional strategy.

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17.) Autoantigen components recognizable by scleroderma sera are exported via ectocytosis of fibroblasts.
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AU: Hsu-TC; Lee-TL; Tsay-GJ
SO: Br-J-Rheumatol. 1997 Oct; 36(10): 1038-44

AB: Previously, we have demonstrated that ectocytosis, a unique cell trafficking process to export a specific subset of cellular proteins in the form of membrane vesicles, can be triggered from human skin fibroblasts cultured in a three-dimensional collagen lattice upon stress relaxation.

The same culturing system was employed in the present study using fibroblasts isolated from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). To see whether any putative intracellular autoantigens causing SSc might escape out of cells by way of ectocytosis, the same stress-relaxation method was used to induce a synchronized ectocytosis among cultured cells.

Membrane vesicles released by scleroderma fibroblasts were subsequently isolated, resolved on SDS-PAGE and immunoblotted with sera from 89 patients with various autoimmune diseases and 11 normal volunteers. Three major polypeptides with apparent mol. wts of 12-14, 32-34 and 70-80 kDa are prominent bands on both SDS-PAGE and immunoblots.

The 32-34 kDa polypeptide has been further identified as a member of the annexin protein family, while the 70-80 kDa protein has been shown to be topoisomerase I, as judged by its reactivity to patients' sera and a rabbit polyclonal antibody, and as also judged by a functional assay.

In conclusion, our results suggest that ectocytosis might be one of the potential pathways for cells to export intracellular antigens and subsequently cause autoimmune reactions.

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18.) Scleroderma, D-penicillamine treatment, and progressive renal failure associated with positive antimyeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies.
=====================================================================
Hillis GS; Khan IH; Simpson JG; Rees AJ
Department of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Am J Kidney Dis (UNITED STATES) Aug 1997 30 (2) p279-81 ISSN: 0272-6386
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Journal Announcement: 9711

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Progressive renal failure in patients with scleroderma is a sinister development that is usually attributed to impaired renal blood flow. In some exceptional cases, the underlying pathology is a crescentic glomerulonephritis, which has been associated with positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, and in particular antimyeloperoxidase antibodies. The prognosis in such cases has been very poor. We report such a patient whose renal function has improved and stabilized on immunosuppressive therapy.

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19.) [Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome) in a patient with scleroderma treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis]
Rupture spontanee de l'oesophage (syndrome de Boerhaave) chez une patiente sclerodermique traitee par dialyse peritoneale continue ambulatoire.
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Level C; de Precigout V; Lasseur C; Hachem D; Berge F; Larroumet N; Carles J; Blanchetier V; Videau J; Combe C; Aparicio M
Service de nephrologie, hopital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France.
Rev Med Interne (FRANCE) Jul 1997 18 (7) p566-70 ISSN: 0248-8663
Language: FRENCH Summary Language: ENGLISH
Document Type:
JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW OF REPORTED CASES English Abstract
Journal Announcement: 9710

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Esophageal involvement is a common situation found in 50 to 80% of patients with scleroderma, but Boerhaave's syndrome is rare in this context.

The authors report the first case of spontaneous esophageal rupture occurring in a chronic renal failure patient treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. In this observation, sclerodermal esophageal dyskinesia, chronic renal failure which is a classical cause of vomiting and the peritoneal dialysis which play an increasing role in the intraabdominal pressure are potential contributing factors to Boerhave's syndrome.

In such patients presenting risk factors, even if they are asymptomatic, it seems reasonable to propose esophageal explorations with manometry or/and endoscopy looking for dyskinesia or other complications of gastro-esophageal reflux. (20 References)

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20.) Association of DM genes in systemic sclerosis is secondary to the association with HLA genes.
=====================================================================
Takeuchi F; Takizawa K; Nabeta H; Kuwata S; Ito K
Department of Internal Medicine and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Scand J Rheumatol (NORWAY) 1997 26 (3) p174-9 ISSN: 0300-9742
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Journal Announcement: 9710

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

The contribution of polymorphism of DMA and DMB alleles to the pathogenesis of Japanese Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) was studied in 55 Japanese SSc patients and 77 normal Japanese subjects using the PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) method. The allele frequencies of DMB*0101 allele were increased in SSc with diffuse scleroderma (70.0% vs 49.4%, p < 0.05, pc = not significant (NS)) and in SSc with antitopoisomerase I antibody (a-Scl-70), (68.2%, p < 0.05, pc = NS).

The phenotype frequencies of DMB*0101 in these subgroups of SSc were increased significantly (95.0%, p = 0.014, pc < 0.05; 95.5%, p = 0.0088, pc < 0.05, respectively). In contrast, DMB*0102 and DMB*0103 alleles tended to decrease in diffuse scleroderma and SSc with a-Scl-70, but the decreases were not significant. Association analysis among DMA, DMB, and DRB1*1502 in Japanese SSc with diffuse scleroderma and SSc with a-Scl-70 indicated that the increase in DMA*0101 was not primary, but reflected an increase in HLA DRB1*1502.

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21.) Choosing appropriate patients with systemic sclerosis for treatment by autologous stem cell transplantation.
=====================================================================
Clements PJ; Furst DE
University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, USA.
J Rheumatol Suppl (CANADA) May 1997 48 p85-8 ISSN: 0380-0903
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9709

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma and visceral organ involvement is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality almost from its inception. Since the risk of accrual and progression of skin and organ complications is greatest in the first few years of SSc, the best opportunity for significantly modifying the course of SSc (prolonging survival and/or preventing or lessening the progressivity of organ involvement) is probably limited to the first 3 to 4 years.

Transplantation of autologous stem cells (ASCT), after immune ablation of the host, has the potential to modify the disease course.

Even though the mortality risk of ASCT is low (< 2% mortality in the first year), the mortality risk of the disease being treated must justify that risk. We suggest that patients with diffuse Sc of short duration (< 3 years from the first non-Raynaud sign/symptom) with evidence of at least mild involvement of heart, lung, or kidney, have sufficiently severe disease to warrant ASCT. In contrast, we suggest that patients with severe/end stage organ involvement have progressed to the point where ASCT will not be helpful in improving that degree of organ involvement. (13 References)

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22.) Development of a protocol for allogeneic marrow transplantation for severe systemic sclerosis: paradigm for autoimmune disease.
=====================================================================
Nash RA; McSweeney PA; Storb R; Nelson JL; Gauthier J; Furst DE; Sullivan KM
Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
J Rheumatol Suppl (CANADA) May 1997 48 p72-8 ISSN: 0380-0903
Contract/Grant No.: CA18029--CA--NCI; CA15704--CA--NCI; CA18221--CA--NCI; +
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9709

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Some types of severe autoimmune disease are associated with significant morbidity and a high mortality rate. Many of these cases occur in young adults who, even if they survive, become severely debilitated. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a paradigm for other severe autoimmune diseases in which patients with poor prognostic features can be identified early in the course of the disease.

Allogeneic marrow transplantation may be effective for the control of autoimmune diseases like SSc because the preparative regimen will significantly suppress the host immune system and the antihost effects of the donor immune system in the engrafted marrow will help maintain the suppression of the host immune system. Considering the morbidity and poor prognosis associated with severe SSc and the favorable outcome now associated with allogeneic marrow transplantation from HLA identical siblings for other nonmalignant diseases,

Phase I and II studies are warranted. These will evaluate the safety of allogeneic marrow transplantation and explore its role in the management and control of a severe autoimmune disease. We review issues important in the development of an allogeneic marrow transplant protocol for severe SSc, including patient selection, plan of treatment, prevention of graft versus host disease, supportive care, and evaluation after transplant. (51 References)

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23.) Hypothesis for the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.
=====================================================================
Furst DE; Clements PJ
Section of Rheumatology and Immunology, Virginia Mason Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA.
J Rheumatol Suppl (CANADA) May 1997 48 p53-7 ISSN: 0380-0903
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9709

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

An hypothesis for the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis is introduced. It posits a genetic background with environmental stimuli that activate immune cells. The immune cells, in turn, may damage vascular endothelium, cause proliferation of fibroblasts, or stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen. Endothelial cell damage can also activate the immune system or induce fibroblast proliferation.

Associated with fibroblast proliferation may be immune activation or collagen production. Finally, collagen production and end organ damage can induce immune activation thus perpetuating the cycle. Raynaud's phenomenon, an early finding in systemic sclerosis can cause vascular damage, thus entering the cycle at a different point than other environmental stimuli. This hypothesis will undoubtedly require change as data emerge, but it presents a conceptual model for testing and modification. (74 References)

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24.) Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases.
=====================================================================
Brooks PM
Department of Medicine, University of New South Wales, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia.
J Rheumatol Suppl (CANADA) May 1997 48 p19-22 ISSN: 0380-0903
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9709

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis cause significant morbidity and mortality. Although aggressive treatments may suppress disease activity in some cases, there are few if any complete cures. Since these conditions arise as a direct result of dysregulation of the immune system, modification of immune stem cells may be important in their control.

Some slow acting antirheumatic drugs have significant effect on bone marrow, and more recently a number of case reports have appeared in which autoimmune diseases have gone into remission after bone marrow transplantation for other reasons. Data from animal models of autoimmune disease show significant abrogation of inflammation following bone marrow transplantation.

Advances in the technology of stem cell transplantation coupled with increasing ability to identify at an early stage those patients likely to develop severe autoimmune disease require an indepth study of the role of stem cell transplantation for these conditions. (22 References)

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25.) The evolving role of blood and marrow transplantation for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
=====================================================================
Sullivan KM; Furst DE
Program in Long-Term Follow-Up, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, USA.
J Rheumatol Suppl (CANADA) May 1997 48 p1-4 ISSN: 0380-0903
Contract/Grant No.: HL36444--HL--NHLBI; CA18221--CA--NCI; CA18029--CA--NCI; +
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9709

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

With over 4 decades of seminal contributions to the development and application of BMT, Dr. Thomas stresses the importance of collaboration between rheumatologists and transplant clinicians in developing this evolving area of treatment. While the debate concerning the value of TBI in the conditioning regimen and the use of autologous or allogeneic stem cells will continue, he states there is simply no other way to answer these questions than to begin well designed clinical studies.

As pointed out by Dr. Hahn, unexpected post-transplant complications may arise in patients with SSc and SLE and possibly require modifications to the transplant procedure similar to the experience in patients with other specific diseases. Other difficulties may be encountered, including restricted funding of the transplant procedure by insurance carriers.

The emergence of managed care contracts and payer limitations in the United States described by Dr. Appelbaum could hinder the development of innovative, curative therapies. As initial clinical data are being collected, it is vital to actively support patient referral and participation in clinical studies that will ultimately establish the indications, risks, costs, and benefits of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune disease. (59 References)

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26.) Systemic scleroderma. Multicenter trial of 1 year of treatment with recombinant interferon gamma [see comments]
=====================================================================
Hunzelmann N; Anders S; Fierlbeck G; Hein R; Herrmann K; Albrecht M; Bell S; Thur J; Muche R; Adelmann-Grill B; Wehner-Caroli J; Gaus W; Krieg T
Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Germany.
Arch Dermatol (UNITED STATES) May 1997 133 (5) p609-13 ISSN: 0003-987X
Note: Comment in: Arch Dermatol 1997 May;133(5 ):637-42
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: CLINICAL TRIAL; JOURNAL ARTICLE; MULTICENTER STUDY
Journal Announcement: 9708

Subfile: AIM; INDEX MEDICUS

OBJECTIVE: To confirm significant improvement of the skin score in systemic sclerosis by treatment with interferon gamma in a larger group of patients and to investigate on a molecular level the influence of interferon gamma on collagen type I messenger RNA expression.

DESIGN: Open, noncontrolled multicenter study.

SETTING: Five outpatient clinics specializing in the care of systemic scleroderma.

PATIENTS: Thirty-two patients suffering from the diffuse or limited form of systemic sclerosis and progressive disease were recruited; 20 patients finished the study.

INTERVENTION: Each patient received interferon gamma, 50 micrograms subcutaneously 3 times a week for 1 year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Skin score, collagen type I messenger RNA in skin biopsy specimens. RESULTS: The patients who completed the study showed an unchanged median skin score after 1 year of therapy. In addition, similar collagen type I messenger RNA levels were detected in skin biopsy specimens taken from involved skin before and after therapy in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of systemic scleroderma with interferon gamma is associated with stabilization of the skin score and lack of worsening of visceral involvement.

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27.) Characterization of antinucleolar antibody reactivity in patients with systemic sclerosis and their relatives.
=====================================================================
Harvey G; Black C; Maddison P; McHugh N
Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases, England.
J Rheumatol (CANADA) Mar 1997 24 (3) p477-84 ISSN: 0315-162X
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Journal Announcement: 9708

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and specificity of antinucleolar antibodies (ANoA) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), their spouses, and their first- degree relatives, and to investigate whether SSc family members have greater frequency of ANoA than expected.

METHODS: The sera of 58 SSc probands, 4 first- degree relatives with SSc, 215 first-degree relatives without SSc, and 24 spouses were screened for ANoA by indirect immunofluorescence (IF), and nucleolar antigens were characterized by immunoprecipitation (IP) of 35S methionine labeled K562 cell extracts. Sera from 118 randomly chosen family members without SSc were separately compared with 120 age and sex matched blood donor controls.

RESULTS: Antinucleolar reactivity was detected by IF in 25 patients with SSc (40.3%), in 33 non-SSc relatives (15.3%), and in 4 spouses (16.7%). Twenty-four sera had autoantibodies to defined nucleolar antigens by IP (seven Pm-Scl, ten RNA polymerase (pol) I, four U3 RNP, three Th RNP), and all were from patients with SSc (38.7%). No serum had more than one type of nucleolar-specific autoantibody.

Four sera had autoantibodies to topoisomerase I (topo I) and RNA pol II, one of which also recognized RNA pol I and RNA pol III. Antinucleolar IF was significantly more common in the unaffected first- degree relatives of patients with SSc (18.1%) than in controls (8.3%; p < 0.05). A small number of sera from both relatives and controls recognized bands by IP, none of which was identified as a SSc-specific autoantigen.

CONCLUSION: Although antinucleolar reactivity is more common in the first-degree relatives of patients with SSc than controls, SSc associated ANoA are only present in patients with the disease, and appear to be mutually exclusive.

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28.) [Systemic scleroderma and sarcoidosis: 3 new cases]
=====================================================================
Sclerodermie systemique et sarcoidose: trois nouveaux cas. Bandt MD; Meyer O; Masson C; Peroux-Goumy L; Audran M; Kahn MF
Service de Rhumatologie, Hopital Bichat, Paris.
Ann Med Interne (Paris) (FRANCE) 1996 147 (8) p590-4 ISSN: 0003-410X
Language: FRENCH Summary Language: ENGLISH
Document Type:
JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW OF REPORTED CASES English Abstract
Journal Announcement: 9707

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

We observed 3 patients with successive scleroderma (SS) and (what is considered to be) sarcoidosis (SA). The diagnosis SS included in the 3 patients: Raynaud's syndrome with pulpal necrosis and capillaritis, sclerodactylia and acro-osteolysis, multiple joint pain and FAN+. Also observed were: esophagus involvement (n = 3), pulmonary artery hypertension (n = 1), telangiectasia (n = 2) and anti-Scl 70 (n = 2). Initially, all patients had restrictive pulmonary disease. SS was diagnosed 5 to 9 years prior to SA in 2 patients.

Diagnosis of SA was based on the following arguments: Loefgren's syndrome with erythema nodosa (n = 1), parotiditis (n = 2), sicca syndrome (n = 2), myalgia (n = 2), joint involvement (n = 2), non-infectious pluropericarditis (n = 2), epitheloid and giant cell granulomas without caseous necrosis (lung = 3, liver = 1, lymph nodes = 1, salivary glands = 1, synovia = 1), negative search for bacilli, elevated conversion enzyme (n = 1) and, in each case, by the lack of any other cause. One patient died from lung cancer and another from respiratory failure. Nome of the patients had primary biliary cirhosis.

This rare association between SS and SA demonstrates the confluent limits of certain systemic diseases and raises a difficult problem to differentiate pulmonary involvement in these diseases. The gravity of this localization and the poor sensitivy to corticosteroids. (10 References)

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29.) [Cardiopathy in systemic sclerosis]
=====================================================================
La cardiopatia sclerodermica.
Valentini G; Maione S
Cartedra di Reumatologia, Seconda Universita, Napoli.
Recenti Prog Med (ITALY) Nov 1996 87 (11) p557-63 ISSN: 0034-1193
Language: ITALIAN Summary Language: ENGLISH
Document Type:
JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL English Abstract
Journal Announcement: 9706

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Cardiac involvement is quite frequent in systemic sclerosis (SSc). From a pathophysiologic point of view, one must differentiate a primary scleroderma heart disease due to pericardial and/or myocardial and/or small coronary intramyocardial vessel involvement from heart disease secondary to either pulmonary interstitial or vascular involvement (pulmonal cor) or to kidney disease (hypertensive myocardial disease).

A significant difference emerges when the prevalence of clinically and standard ECG detected cardiac involvement in SSc patients is compared with that registered at autopsy. In the last years, however, Holter ECG, echocardiography, perfusional scintigraphy and ventriculography have reduced such gap, a preclinical scleroderma heart disease being detected by such techniques in quite a high percentage of SSc patients.

Asymptomatic SSc patients may be found to present small pericardial effusions and/or either fixed (fibrosis) or reversible (vascular disease) or both types thallium defects or a defective cardiac functional reserve. Both clinically evident scleroderma heart disease and ventricular arrhythmias have a poor prognostic significance. Therefore, a complete cardiological work-up must be periodically carried out in SSc patients. Scleroderma heart disease has long been considered a condition difficult to treat.

The detection of diastolic abnormalities and of diastolic failure in SSc patients make us able to understand the therapeutic failure of inotropic agents. Recently, captopril has been shown to improve cardiac function in SSc. It might act either on vascular disease or on fibrosis by affecting the remodelling process of the myocardial wall. (40 References)

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30.) Scleroderma and pregnancy.
=====================================================================
Steen VD
Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Rheum Dis Clin North Am (UNITED STATES) Feb 1997 23 (1) p133-47 ISSN: 0889-857X
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9706

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Pregnancy in systemic sclerosis may be uneventful, with both good maternal and fetal outcomes. Because scleroderma is a multisystem disease and complications do occur, however, careful antenatal evaluations, discussion of potential problems, and participation in a high-risk obstetric monitoring program is very important to optimize the best outcome.

Because women with diffuse scleroderma are at greater risk for developing serious cardiopulmonary and renal problems early in the disease, they should be encouraged to delay pregnancy until the disease stabilizes. All patients who become pregnant during this high-risk time should be monitored extremely carefully. Although there are some suggestions that there are increases in infertility and miscarriages before disease onset, recent studies show that these issues probably do not have major impact for women with established scleroderma who plan to become pregnant.

The high risk of premature and small infants may be minimized with specialized obstetric and neonatal care, however. Renal crisis in scleroderma is the only truly unique aspect of these pregnant, which, unlike blood pressure elevation in nonscleroderma pregnancies, must be treated aggressively with ACE inhibitors.

Other pregnancy problems may not be unique to scleroderma, but because it is a chronic illness, any complication carries higher risks for both mother and child. Careful planning, close monitoring, and aggressive management should allow women with scleroderma to have a high likelihood of a successful pregnancy. (82 References)

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31.) Epidemiology of systemic sclerosis.
=====================================================================
Silman AJ; Newman J
University of Manchester, ARC Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, UK.
Curr Opin Rheumatol (UNITED STATES) Nov 1996 8 (6) p585-9 ISSN: 1040-8711
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9705

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

There have been few recent studies of the descriptive epidemiology of systemic sclerosis, but in recent work the limited form of the disease seems more prominent than reported in previous studies. Molecular genetic investigation of systemic sclerosis remains disappointing in identifying susceptibility alleles. There are some associations in relation to HLA class II alleles, specifically DP, DQ, and DR.

These associations, however, seem to be more important in predicting the nature of the autoimmune response rather than describing disease susceptibility itself. The study of occupational and environmental influences has been dominated by studies on the role of silicone gel breast implants. These studies, driven by medicolegal constraints, have overwhelmingly failed to prove any association. Other studies confirm the continuing likelihood that organic solvents are implicated, at least in a proportion of cases. (38 References)

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32.) Gastrointestinal features of scleroderma.
=====================================================================
Sjogren RW
Gastroenterology Section, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Fall Church, VA 22046, USA.
Curr Opin Rheumatol (UNITED STATES) Nov 1996 8 (6) p569-75 ISSN: 1040-8711
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9705

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Gastrointestinal involvement occurs in most patients with systemic sclerosis and is subclinical in about one third. Early pathology is characterized by vasculopathy, resulting in tissue ischemia and progressive dysfunction. Noninvasive esophageal studies using semisolid bolus scintigraphy are sensitive but lack specificity. Long- term treatment of reflux with high-dose proton pump inhibitors appears safe and effective for symptom relief and may prevent recurrence of esophagitis and stricture.

Dyspepsia may result from gastroparesis and antral distension. Gastric antral vascular ectasia is a vascular manifestation, and bleeding may be controlled endoscopically. Prokinetic agents effective in pseudoobstruction include metoclopramide, domperidone, cisapride, octreotide, and erythromycin. Patients with intestinal neuropathy or response to bolus octreotide are more probable long-term responders. The combination of octreotide and erythromycin may be particularly effective in systemic sclerosis.

The combination of cisapride and erythromycin may cause serious cardiac arrhythmia and is contraindicated. Omeprazole may predispose to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Malabsorption not responding to antibiotic therapy should be investigated with small-bowel biopsy to rule out more unusual causes.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis may be due to excessive hydrogen production by intestinal bacteria altering the partial pressure of nitrogen in the intestinal wall. In selected cases, surgery for intestinal failure is an option with resection or bypass of affected segments or placement of enterostomy tubes for feeding or decompression. Careful preoperative characterization of intestinal segments is required. (57 References)

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33.) Systemic sclerosis in German uranium miners under special consideration of autoantibody subsets and HLA class II alleles.
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Baur X; Rihs HP; Altmeyer P; Degens P; Conrad K; Mehlhorn J; Weber K; Wiebe V Berufsgenossenschaftliches, Forschungsinstitut fur Arbeitsmedizin, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Deutschland.
Respiration (SWITZERLAND) 1996 63 (6) p368-75 ISSN: 0025-7931
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Journal Announcement: 9705

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a connective tissue disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations, with high or low degrees of skin and internal organ involvement together with different antinuclear antibody (ANA) specificities. Several studies provide evidence that males, who are rarely affected by systemic sclerosis, have an increased risk when working in mines.

Therefore we reinvestigated 21 male subjects and 6 cases of deceased male patients who had been engaged in East German uranium mines and had shown evidence of this disease in medical examinations. Dermatological investigations, evaluation of chest X-rays and autoantibody estimation were performed. PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotide typing was used to study the genetic association of HLA-D alleles with autoantibodies typical for scleroderma in these uranium miners suffering from systemic sclerosis and in patients with idiopathic systemic sclerosis.

The determined HLA phenotype frequencies and the following statistical analysis (Fisher's exact test (2-sided)) revealed that in comparison with randomly selected controls, alleles DRB1*0300 (DR3) and DQB1*0201 (DQ2) were distinctly increased in the group of affected uranium miners, especially in those with anti-Scl-70 positivity. In contrast, we did not observe significant differences between affected and unaffected miners. Comparing anti-Scl-70-positive affected uranium miners with anti-Scl-70-positive idiopathic systemic sclerosis cases. DRB1*0300 as well as DQB1*0201 were also significantly enhanced in the former group. ACA-positive systemic sclerosis miners had significantly elevated frequencies in DRB1*0100 (DR1) and DRB1*0800 (DR8) only in comparison with unaffected miners and unexposed controls.

Our genetic and immunological data lead to the assumption that a different set of HLA-D alleles in combination with exogenous factors is involved in the induction of anti-Scl-70 antibodies in uranium miners that might influence their susceptibility to the disease, whereas the same occupational exposure seems to have no influence on the induction of ACA antibodies.

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34.) DNA allelic alterations within VNTR loci of scleroderma families.
=====================================================================
Artlett CM; Black CM; Briggs DC; Stephens C; Welsh KI
Oxford Transplant Centre, Churchill Hospital, London.
Br J Rheumatol (ENGLAND) Dec 1996 35 (12) p1216-22 ISSN: 0263-7103
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Journal Announcement: 9704

Subfile: AIM; INDEX MEDICUS

We have characterized genetic alterations at the molecular level in 49 scleroderma and 45 control families using variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). Additionally, paired fibroblast cell lines from the 'affected' and 'unaffected' skin and peripheral blood leucocytes of 30 patients were also examined. All families in this study were typed for Class I Cw alleles and Class II-DRB, -DQA and -DQB to confirm family membership. There were significant rises in the level of VNTR mutations in scleroderma patients (36.7%, n = 18), their siblings (16.3%, n = 13) and offspring (21.7%, n = 15).

The level of VNTR mutations in the control group was 0.6% (n = 5). These mutations did not correlate with the presence of autoantibodies and no patient was taking a known clastogenic drug. The most common VNTR site for mutation was pYNZ22 (17p13.4). Differences were also seen in the VNTR alleles between fibroblast and lymphocyte DNA from the same patient, as measured by size alteration of one of the alleles. We have found that VNTRs are unstable in scleroderma patients, relatives and offspring. The reason for the genomic changes remains unknown, but previous studies have implicated the presence of a clastogen.

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35.) Treatment of systemic sclerosis.
=====================================================================
Pope JE
University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Rheum Dis Clin North Am (UNITED STATES) Nov 1996 22 (4) p893-907 ISSN: 0889- 857X
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; REVIEW; REVIEW, TUTORIAL
Journal Announcement: 9704

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

Guidelines for the conduct of clinical trials in progressive systemic sclerosis have been recommended to determine drug efficacy better. To date, the results of disease-modifying drugs in scleroderma have been disappointing. The treatment of esophagitis has been revolutionized by omeprazole.

Raynaud's phenomenon can be treated with calcium channel blockers and iloprost. Scleroderma renal crisis can be treated with aggressive blood pressure control using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The best treatment for rapidly progressive scleroderma lung is still unknown. Future treatments in scleroderma should be tested with the use of recommended guidelines. (95 References)

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36.) Iloprost effects on phagocytes in patients suffering from ischaemic diseases: in vivo evidence for down-regulation of alpha M beta 2 integrin.
=====================================================================
Mazzone A; Mazzucchelli I; Fossati G; Gritti D; Girola S; Canale C; Cusa C; Ricevuti G
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy.
Eur J Clin Invest (ENGLAND) Oct 1996 26 (10) p860-6 ISSN: 0014-2972
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: CLINICAL TRIAL; JOURNAL ARTICLE
Journal Announcement: 9704

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

This study has been designed to demonstrate the in vivo effects of iloprost therapy on expression of adhesion molecules on phagocytes. Sixty patients suffering from peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and/or from skin ulcers due to secondary progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) were enrolled in a double-blind controlled parallel study.

Thirty patients (group I) underwent iloprost infusion and 30 patients (group II) were treated with aspirin. Clinical assessment and measurement of phagocyte activation in vivo, using quantitative flow cytometry, were performed on entry and after 6 h on the first day of therapy.

After 3 months of therapy, complete healing of all cutaneous lesions was observed in 84% of the patients treated with iloprost compared with the control patients (P < 0.001). Neutrophils and monocytes of PAOD and PSS patients showed a significant decrease in the expression of the alpha M beta 2 integrin adhesion receptor after 6 h of iloprost infusion. Neutrophils and monocytes released a lower amount of anion superoxide (O2-) after 6 h of iloprost treatment.

These data confirm other clinical observations but demonstrate that in vivo this drug modifies the expression of the alpha M beta 2 integrin of phagocytes that has a key role in leukocyte-endothelium interactions in cases of inflammation and thrombosis.

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37.) Association of esophagitis and esophageal strictures with diseases treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
=====================================================================
El-Serag HB; Sonnenberg A
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.
Am J Gastroenterol (UNITED STATES) Jan 1997 92 (1) p52-6 ISSN: 0002-9270
Language: ENGLISH
Document Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE
Journal Announcement: 9704

Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS

BACKGROUND: It has been speculated that intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represents a risk factor for the occurrence of esophagitis and esophageal strictures.

METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to compare the occurrence of comorbid diseases treated with NSAIDs in case and control subjects with and without esophageal disease, respectively. The case population was comprised of all patients with esophagitis (International

Classification of Diseases code 530.1) or esophageal stricture (code 530.3) who were discharged from hospitals of the Department of Veteran Affairs between 1981 and 1994. In separate multivariate logistic regressions, the occurrence of esophagitis or esophageal stricture served as the outcome variable, and age, gender, ethnicity, and comorbid occurrence of an NSAID- related diagnosis served as modifier variables.

RESULTS: A total of 101,366 individual case subjects were included, of whom 92,860 presented with esophagitis and 14,201 with stricture. The occurrence of erosive esophagitis was associated with osteoarthritis (odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.36-1.48), osteoporosis (1.38, 1.25-1.52), back pain (1.49, 1.42-1.56), femur bone fracture (1.46, 0.92- 2.32), fibrositis (1.57, 1.41-1.75), tension headache (1.34, 1.27-1.40), ankylosing spondylitis (1.33, 1.24-1.42), rheumatoid arthritis (1.13, 1.05-1.21), sicca syndrome (1.15, 1.05-1.26), and systemic sclerosis (6.16, 4.65-8.14). NSAID-related diagnoses represented similar risk factors for both esophagitis and esophageal stricture.

CONCLUSIONS: A large variety of diseases treated by NSAIDs are associated with a significantly increased risk of esophageal erosion or stricture; the risk appears similar for both of these. In some comorbid conditions, the underlying disease process may contribute to the occurrence of esophageal pathology.

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DATA-MÉDICOS/DERMAGIC-EXPRESS No (53) 18/05/99 DR. JOSÉ LAPENTA R.
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