CD32 (FcγRIIB) expression is low on CD21low B cells from systemic sclerosis patients with digital ulcers, interstitial lung disease, and anti-topoisomerase I autoantibodies.

CD21low B cells have recently been found increased in SSc-associated digital ulcers (DUs) or interstitial lung disease (ILD). To further characterize CD21low B cells which encompass autoreactive cells, we analyzed their expression of the inhibitory CD32 receptor in SSc. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 27 patients with SSc and 15 age-and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed with multicolor flow cytometry. CD21low B cells were significantly increased in patients with DUs (51.3%) compared to HCs (28.1%) and in patients with ILD (53.1%) compared to HCs. CD21lowCD32low B cells were significantly increased in patients with DUs (23.8%) compared to HCs (4.4%), in patients with ILD (28.4%) compared to HCs, and in anti-topoisomerase I (+) patients (21.5%) compared to HCs and to anti-topoisomerase I (-) patients (2.4%). Autoreactive B cells recognizing Topoisomerase I were predominantly within CD32low cell fraction. Our study further supports the autoreactive status of CD21lowCD32low B cells in SSc patients.

Emotional intelligence: a novel predictor of quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, affects skin and internal organs compromising organ function and leading to significant morbidity and poor health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This cross-sectional study investigated whether HrQoL is influenced by trait emotional intelligence (TEI). Sixty patients with SSc (Female: 86.67%) completed the socio-demographic characteristics form, TEI Questionnaire Short-Form (TEIQue-SF), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Sixty healthy controls were also completed the TEIQue-SF. A series of multiple linear regression analyses with correlation matrix was used to analyze SF-36 domains as dependent variables with TEI domains (well-being, self-control, emotionality, sociability) as independent variables. The average age of participants was 57.3 ± 12.9 years with a mean disease duration of 7.7 ± 6.7 years. Patients differed from controls in the sociability domain of TEI. TEI global was found to affect the physical and mental component summaries (p < .001), and all 8 dimensions of the HrQoL (p < .001). Age, disease duration, and gastrointestinal manifestations were negatively associated with various components of SF-36. TEI was positively associated with all dimensions of HrQoL. Understanding the relationship between TEI and HrQoL dimensions is important for the support and empowerment of SSc patients, as well as the establishment and implementation of appropriate psychotherapeutic interventions.