Molecular underpinnings of aging contributing to systemic sclerosis pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gerontology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease marked by fibrosis and vasculopathy.
• Aberrant aging is increasingly linked to fibrotic conditions in organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review aging mechanisms and their potential role in SSc pathogenesis.
• To explore how aging contributes to fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysfunction in SSc.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of established aging mechanisms.
• Analysis of studies investigating aging biomarkers in SSc patients.

Main Results:

• Shortened telomeres are observed in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), correlating with severity and mortality.
• Accumulation of senescent cells in SSc patients' organs creates a profibrotic and inflammatory cellular environment.
• Aging biomarkers may identify SSc patients with poorer outcomes under immunosuppression.

Conclusions:

• Aging mechanisms, including telomere dysfunction and cellular senescence, are likely contributors to SSc progression.
• Further research is needed to determine if aging initiates or perpetuates SSc, and if it's cell/organ-specific.
• Understanding aging's role in SSc can enhance knowledge of its pathobiology and inform patient management.