Anti-RNA Polymerase III Antibodies in Systemic Sclerosis: Multicentric Study from Argentina

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Systemic Sclerosis Research

Background:

• Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and vascular abnormalities.
• Anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies are associated with specific clinical manifestations in SSc, but their prevalence varies across populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies in a cohort of Argentinian patients with Systemic Sclerosis.
• To investigate clinical differences between SSc patients with and without anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 135 SSc patients (ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria).
• Detection of anti-RNA polymerase III IgG antibodies using ELISA.
• Comparison of clinical features based on antibody status.

Main Results:

• Anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies were detected in 5.9% of SSc patients.
• In patients negative for anticentromere and anti-Scl70 antibodies, anti-RNA polymerase III positivity was 16.7%.
• Anti-RNA polymerase III positive patients were older at diagnosis and showed higher frequencies of pitting scars, pulmonary artery hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis.

Conclusions:

• The observed low frequency of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies may be linked to the predominantly Mestizo/Amerindian ethnic background of the cohort.
• Detection of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies may aid in classifying SSc patients, predicting prognosis, and guiding follow-up care.
• Further research is warranted to fully understand the implications of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies in SSc.