[Pathogenesis of scleroderma]

Systemic sclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder, affecting the skin and other organs, especially the lungs and the digestive tract. The pathogenic mechanisms of systemic sclerosis still remain unknown, although there is evidence that many parameters may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease, including: vascular involvement, immunity impairment, and both environmental and genetic factors. To date, many authors support the hypothesis that, in patients with genetic predisposition, environmental stimuli (occupational factors and/or virus) may lead to vascular dysfunction, particularly, endothelial damage and immune activation, resulting in tissue fibrosis at late stages of the disorder.