A new nucleosomic-based model to identify and diagnose SSc-ILD

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease.
• Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in SSc patients (SSc-ILD) significantly impacts mortality.
• Novel biomarkers are crucial for predicting SSc-ILD evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific blood-based biomarkers for SSc-ILD diagnosis.
• To evaluate the predictive potential of these biomarkers for disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Circulating cell-free nucleosomes (cf-nucleosomes) were analyzed in SSc patients with and without ILD.
• Plasma levels of cf-nucleosomes (H3.1), MMP-9, and IGFBP-1 were measured.
• A combined biomarker model was developed and validated.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher H3.1 nucleosome and MMP-9 levels were found in SSc-ILD patients.
• IGFBP-1 levels were significantly lower in SSc-ILD patients.
• The combined biomarker model demonstrated high accuracy in differentiating SSc-ILD and showed predictive power for lung function (FVC, TLC) and skin involvement (Rodnan score).

Conclusions:

• A novel blood-based biomarker model incorporating cf-nucleosomes (H3.1), MMP-9, and IGFBP-1 can aid in diagnosing SSc-ILD.
• This model correlates with baseline lung function and predicts disease evolution.
• Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm its diagnostic and predictive capabilities.