Microparticles: potential new contributors to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis?

Author(s)

Sandra Maximiano de Oliveira ^[1] ; Ighor Luiz de Azevedo Teixeira ^[2] ; Carolina Nunes França ; Maria Cristina de Oliveira Izar ^[4] ; Cristiane Kayser ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Federal University of São Paulo. Escola Paulista de Medicina. Rheumatology Division - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Escola Paulista de Medicina. Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Escola Paulista de Medicina. Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology - Brasil

^[5] Federal University of São Paulo. Escola Paulista de Medicina. Rheumatology Division - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ADVANCES IN RHEUMATOLOGY; v. 63, 2023-09-01.

Abstract

Abstract 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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/15216-2 - Evaluation of the serum levels of microparticles and of the efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid on vascular dysfunction markers in patients with systemic sclerosis
• Grantee: Cristiane Kayser
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants