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Microparticles: potential new contributors to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis?
Sandra Maximiano de Oliveira1, Ighor Luiz de Azevedo Teixeira2, Carolina Nunes França2,3
1Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, Rua Dos Otonis 863, 2º Andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil.
Background:
Microparticles (MPs) are membrane-derived vesicles released from cells undergoing activation or apoptosis with diverse proinflammatory and prothrombotic activities, that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMPs), and monocyte-derived microparticles (MMPs) in SSc patients, and the association between MPs and the clinical features of SSc.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 70 patients with SSc and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Clinical and nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) data were obtained from all patients. Plasma levels of PMPs (CD42+/31+), EMPs (CD105+), and MMPs (CD14+) were quantified by flow cytometry.
Results:
Patients were mainly females (90%), with a mean age of 48.9 years old. PMP, EMP, and MMP levels were significantly increased in SSc patients compared to controls (79.2% ± 17.3% vs. 71.0% ± 19.8%, p = 0.033; 43.5% ± 8.7% vs. 37.8% ± 10.4%, p = 0.004; and 3.5% ± 1.3% vs. 1.1% ± 0.5%, p < 0.0001, respectively). PMP levels were significantly higher in patients with positive anti-topoisomerase-I antibodies (p = 0.030) and in patients with a disease duration > 3 years (p = 0.038). EMP levels were lower in patients with a higher modified Rodnan skin score (p = 0.015), and in those with an avascular score > 1.5 in NFC (p = 0.042).
Conclusion:
The increased levels of PMPs, EMPs and MMPs in scleroderma patients might indicate a possible role for these agents in the pathogenesis of this challenging disease.
Insights
Plasma levels of platelet-derived, endothelial cell-derived, and monocyte-derived microparticles are elevated in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, suggesting their involvement in SSc pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are vesicles implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) due to their proinflammatory and prothrombotic activities.
- Evaluating specific MP types, including platelet-derived (PMPs), endothelial cell-derived (EMPs), and monocyte-derived (MMPs), is crucial for understanding SSc.
- The association between MP levels and clinical manifestations in SSc requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plasma levels of PMPs, EMPs, and MMPs in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To investigate the association between these microparticle levels and the clinical features of SSc.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 70 SSc patients and 35 healthy controls.
- Quantification of plasma PMPs (CD42+/31+), EMPs (CD105+), and MMPs (CD14+) using flow cytometry.
- Collection of clinical data and nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) findings.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased plasma levels of PMPs, EMPs, and MMPs were observed in SSc patients compared to controls.
- Elevated PMP levels correlated with anti-topoisomerase-I antibodies and longer disease duration (>3 years).
- Lower EMP levels were associated with higher modified Rodnan skin scores and avascular NFC scores (>1.5).
Conclusions:
- Elevated PMPs, EMPs, and MMPs in SSc patients suggest a potential role in disease pathogenesis.
- Specific microparticle types may serve as biomarkers for disease severity and progression in SSc.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which MPs contribute to SSc.
