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Molecular targets for therapy in systemic sclerosis

Naoki Iwamoto1, Oliver Distler1

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 25, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.

Fibrogenesis & Tissue Repair
|December 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) lacks disease-modifying antifibrotic drugs. This review explores the role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) and other novel targets in developing effective antifibrotic therapies for SSc.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Rheumatology
  • Fibrosis Research

Background:

  • Systemic sclerosis (SSc) currently lacks approved disease-modifying antifibrotic therapies.
  • Established immunosuppressive agents for SSc have limited supporting evidence for long-term efficacy.
  • High SSc mortality necessitates urgent development of alternative therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) pathway in fibrosis.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of 5-HT and other novel molecular targets for SSc.
  • To evaluate the translation of preclinical antifibrotic findings to clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the role of 5-HT in fibrosis.
  • Analysis of recent research on molecular targets for antifibrotic therapies.
  • Examination of preclinical data and potential clinical applications.

Main Results:

  • The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) pathway has emerged as a significant factor in fibrotic processes.
  • Several promising molecular targets, with available clinical modifiers, show potential for antifibrotic activity.
  • Preclinical data suggests the feasibility of translating novel antifibrotic strategies into clinical practice.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the 5-HT pathway represents a promising avenue for SSc treatment.
  • Further clinical studies are essential to validate novel antifibrotic strategies for SSc.
  • Repurposing existing drugs for antifibrotic therapy in SSc warrants investigation.

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