Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of systemic scleroderma: An overview

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Immunology
• Pathophysiology of Connective Tissue Diseases

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, severe autoimmune disease causing fibrosis in skin, muscles, and organs.
• SSc presents as limited cutaneous (lc-SSc) or diffuse cutaneous (dc-SSc) forms, with obscure etiology and unpredictable outcomes.
• Vascular injury and immune system activation are key SSc manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze recent findings on the role of oxidative stress in SSc pathogenesis.
• To summarize biomarkers that link reactive oxidizing species (ROS) to SSc pathology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on oxidative stress and SSc.
• Analysis of biomarkers associated with ROS and SSc hallmarks.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests reactive oxidizing species (ROS) are significantly involved in SSc pathogenesis.
• Specific biomarkers demonstrate a link between oxidative stress and SSc's vascular and fibrotic features.
• The precise role of oxidative stress in vascular injury and fibrosis requires further clarification.

Conclusions:

• Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis.
• Biomarkers are emerging to confirm the link between ROS and SSc pathology.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of oxidative stress in SSc.