Biomarkers for better detection of lung damage in systemic scleroderma
Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is an autoimmune disease of unknown origin, characterized by systemic inflammation and vasculopathy, leading to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The main complication of SSc, responsible for a third of its mortality, is pulmonary fibrosis, also known as interstitial lung disease (ILD).
The course of SSc-ILD is highly variable, ranging from gradual, progressive respiratory failure to rapid deterioration in lung function. Early diagnosis of this lung disease remains a major clinical challenge. This study, carried out by researchers from the Pneumology Laboratory of the GIGA Institute and Liège University Hospital, in collaboration with Prof Clio Ribbens' Rheumatology Laboratory, has identified a signature of four microRNAs characteristic of this complication.
The team analyzed microRNAs present in extracellular vesicles from SSc patients with and without lung involvement, as well as from healthy subjects. Small RNA sequencing revealed four microRNAs (miR-584-5p, miR-744-5p, miR-1307-3p and miR-10b-5p) strongly associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
“We found that these candidates correlated with two key factors in the progression and mortality of SSc-ILD, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) and forced vital capacity (FVC),” explains Dr Makon-Sébastien Njock, PhD, senior author of the study. “This highlights their potential for monitoring the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in SSc patients.”
The study also revealed altered functional properties of extracellular vesicles in SSc-ILD, “suggesting a major role for these vesicles in the severity of the disease”, say the researchers.
According to Prof. Julien Guiot, these findings open the way to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches: “These discoveries could lead to more effective personalized medicine and better patient management.”
Finally, Prof Clio Ribbens underlines the importance of collaborative research: “This study perfectly illustrates the synergy between the teams at Liège University Hospital and the Institut GIGA, reinforcing their position as a reference center in pneumology and immunobiology.”
Reference
