Serum interleukin-34 levels in dermatomyositis: a potential biomarker for anti-MDA5-antibody-associated interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVES: Interleukin (IL)-34 is a hematopoietic cytokine that promotes macrophage activation. Macrophage activation in interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM), especially in those with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody suggests the involvement of IL-34 in the disease. However, the association between IL-34 and DM is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine serum IL-34 levels in DM patients and evaluate their association with DM-ILD. METHODS: We measured serum IL-34 levels in 56 DM patients and 14 age- and sex- matched healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and examined their correlation with clinical parameters. In addition, pre- and post-treatment serum IL-34 levels were examined using serum samples from 7 anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM patients. RESULTS: Serum IL-34 levels were significantly elevated in DM patients, especially in those with anti-MDA5 antibody, compared with healthy controls. In anti-MDA5-antibody-positive DM patients, serum IL-34 levels positively correlated with serum levels of ferritin and anti-MDA5 antibody, which are known biomarkers for rapidly progressive (RP)-ILD. Following combined immunosuppressive therapy, serum IL-34 levels decreased along with ferritin and anti-MDA5 antibody. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that IL-34 may be involved in the development of RP-ILD in anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM. Serum IL-34 levels can serve as a potential biomarker for RP-ILD in this clinical entity.

Autoantibodies to nuclear valosin-containing protein-like protein: systemic sclerosis-specific antibodies revealed by in vitro human proteome.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and characterize undescribed systemic sclerosis (SSc)-specific autoantibodies targeting nucleolar antigens and to assess their clinical significance. METHODS: We conducted proteome-wide autoantibody screening (PWAS) against serum samples from SSc patients with nucleolar patterned anti-nuclear antibodies (NUC-ANAs) of specific antibodies (Abs) unknown, utilizing wet protein arrays fabricated from in vitro human proteome. Controls included SSc patients with already-known SSc-specific autoantibodies, patients with other connective tissue diseases, and healthy subjects. The selection of nucleolar antigens was performed by database search in the Human Protein Atlas. The Presence of autoantibodies was certified by immunoblots and immunoprecipitations. Indirect immunofluorescence assays on HEp-2 cells were also conducted. Clinical assessment was conducted by retrospective review of electric medical records. RESULTS: PWAS identified three candidate autoantibodies, including anti-nuclear valosin-containing protein-like (NVL) Ab. Additional measurements in disease controls revealed that only anti-NVL Abs are exclusively detected in SSc. Detection of anti-NVL Abs was reproduced by conventional assays such as immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. Indirect immunofluorescence assays demonstrated homogeneous nucleolar patterns. Anti-NVL Ab-positive cases were characterized by significantly low prevalence of diffuse skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease, compared with SSc cases with NUC-ANAs other than anti-NVL Abs, such as anti-U3-RNP and anti-Th/To Abs. CONCLUSION: Anti-NVL Ab is an SSc-specific autoantibody associated with a unique combination of clinical features, including limited skin sclerosis and lack of lung involvement.

Dual blockade of interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F as a therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis: Investigating the potential effect and mechanism of brodalumab.

Liver fibrosis is a terminal manifestation of various chronic liver diseases. There are no drugs that can reverse the condition. Recently, the importance of interleukin-17 (IL17) in the pathophysiology has been revealed and has attracted attention as a therapeutic target. We aimed to reveal the roles of IL17A and IL17F in liver fibrosis, and to validate the potential of their dual blockade as therapeutic strategy. First, we retrospectively reviewed the longitudinal change of FIB-4 index, a clinical indicator of liver fibrosis, among psoriasis patients treated by brodalumab, which blocks IL17 receptor A (IL17RA). Next, we examined anti-fibrotic efficacy of anti-IL17RA antibody (Ab) in two murine liver fibrosis models by histopathological investigation and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, we analyzed the effect of IL17A and IL17F upon human hepatic stellate cells with RNA sequencing, real-time RT-PCR, western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry. Clinical data showed that FIB-4 index significantly decreased among psoriasis patients treated by brodalumab. In vivo studies additionally demonstrated that anti-IL17RA Ab ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by tetrachloride and methionine-choline deficient diet. Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed that both IL17A and IL17F enhance cell-surface expression of transforming growth factor-ß receptor II and promote pro-fibrotic gene expression via the JUN pathway in human hepatic stellate cells. Our insights suggest that IL17A and IL17F share their pro-fibrotic function in the context of liver fibrosis, and moreover, dual blockade of IL17A and IL17F by anti-IL17RA Ab would be a promising strategy for the management of liver fibrosis.

Cannabinoids for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases: A systematic review.

In recent years, the medical use of cannabinoids has attracted growing attention worldwide. In particular, anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids led to their emergence as potential therapeutic options for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Recent studies have also shown that cannabinoid receptors are widely expressed and have endogenous ligands in the skin, suggesting that the skin has its own endocannabinoid system. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases. Following an overview of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cannabinoids in skin health and disease. We then review the clinical studies of cannabinoids in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases including systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM), psoriasis (Pso) and atopic dermatitis (AD). A primary literature search was conducted in July 2023, using PubMed and Web of Science. A total of 15 articles were included after excluding reviews, non-human studies and in vitro studies from 389 non-duplicated articles. Available evidence suggests that cannabinoids may be beneficial for SSc, DM, Pso and AD. However, further studies, ideally randomized controlled trials, are needed to further evaluate the use of cannabinoids in autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases.

Bimekizumab safety in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Rates of hepatic events and changes in liver parameters over 2 years in randomized phase 3/3b trials.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psoriasis are at increased risk of liver function abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: Explore rates of hepatic treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and changes in liver parameters in bimekizumab-treated patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Data are reported from 5 phase 3/3b trials over 2 years. Hepatic TEAEs, laboratory elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and changes in clinical markers of liver fibrosis (Fibrosis-4 [FIB-4] Index and AST to Platelet Ratio Index [APRI]) are reported. TEAEs are presented using exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) per 100 patient-years (PY). RESULTS: 2186 patients received ≥1 bimekizumab dose. Over 2 years, the EAIR of hepatic TEAEs was 3.5/100 PY and did not increase from first to second year. 2-year EAIRs of ALT/AST elevations >3x and >5x the upper limit of normal were 2.3 and 0.6/100 PY; rates were similar to placebo, adalimumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab during controlled study periods. FIB-4 and APRI scores did not increase through 2 years, regardless of fibrosis risk at baseline. LIMITATIONS: Obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic alcohol consumption, and medication changes are confounding factors for hepatic dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Rates of hepatic adverse events (AEs) with bimekizumab were consistent through 2 years; incidences of transaminase elevations were similar to comparators during phase 3/3b controlled study periods.

Deregulated JNK signaling enhances apoptosis during hyperthermia.

PURPOSE: c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) comprise a subfamily of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The JNK group is known to be activated by a variety of stimuli. However, the molecular mechanism underlying heat-induced JNK activation is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify how JNK activity is stimulated by heat. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The expression levels of various MAPK members in HeLa cells, with or without hyperthermia treatment, were evaluated via western blotting. The kinase activity of MAPK members was assessed through in vitro kinase assays. Cell death was assessed in the absence or presence of siRNAs targeting MAPK-related members. RESULTS: Hyperthermia decreased the levels of MAP3Ks, such as ASK1 and MLK3 which are JNK kinase kinase members, but not those of the downstream MAP2K/SEK1 and MAPK/JNK. Despite the reduced or transient phosphorylation of ASK1, MLK3, or SEK1, downstream JNK was phosphorylated in a temperature-dependent manner. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated that heat did not directly stimulate SEK1 or JNK. However, the expression levels of DUSP16, a JNK phosphatase, were decreased upon hyperthermia treatment. DUSP16 knockdown enhanced the heat-induced activation of ASK1-SEK1-JNK pathway and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: JNK was activated in a temperature-dependent manner despite reduced or transient phosphorylation of the upstream MAP3K and MAP2K. Hyperthermia-induced degradation of DUSP16 may induce activation of the ASK1-SEK1-JNK pathway and subsequent apoptosis.

Optimal treatments and outcome measures of palmoplantar pustulosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis-based comparison of treatment efficacy.

Few studies have made direct comparisons between treatments for palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP); therefore, it is difficult to select the best treatment for each patient. To determine the best therapy and to compare reported measures of efficacy in clinical trials of systemic treatments for PPP in this systematic review and network meta-analysis. Six databases were used to perform database search on 10 July 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through a systematic literature search. The titles and abstracts of articles were initially screened for inclusion by two authors independently using our predetermined criteria. The full texts of selected articles were then independently assessed for inclusion in a blinded fashion. Disagreement between the authors was resolved by consensus. Data were abstracted in duplicate. Random-effects model was accepted to perform network meta-analysis. Assessed Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation certainty of evidence were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The analysis was completed in July 2022. The primary outcome was the change of PPP Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) from baseline and the secondary outcome was the achievement of PPPASI-50 response. Seven RCTs with 567 patients were included. Guselkumab 100 mg was the one with the highest probability of reaching the proposed outcomes (mean difference [MD], -8.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.88-11.11), while the achievement of PPPASI-50 response did not show a significant difference (odds ratio [OR], 3.79; 95% CI, 0.51-28.37). Guselkumab 200 mg was next to 100 mg of reaching the proposed outcomes (MD, -4.71; 95% CI, 2.12-7.30), while the achievement of PPPASI-50 response did not show a significant difference (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 0.48-11.43). Network meta-analysis showed guselkumab 100 mg was the treatment with the highest probability of reaching both PPPASI and PPPASI-50 outcomes. Absolute PPPASI may be more appropriate as an outcome than PPPASI-50.

Significance of anti-transcobalamin receptor antibodies in cutaneous arteritis revealed by proteome-wide autoantibody screening.

Cutaneous arteritis (CA) is a single-organ vasculitis that exclusively affects the small to medium-sized arteries of the skin. Diagnosis depends on a histological investigation with skin biopsy, which could be burdensome for both patients and clinicians. Moreover, the pathogenesis of CA remains unstudied, and treatment has not yet been established. Herein, we applied our proteome-wide autoantibody screening method to explore autoantibodies in the serum of CA patients. As a result, anti-transcobalamin receptor (TCblR) antibodies (Abs) were specifically detected in 24% of CA patients. Patients with positive anti-TCblR Abs were spared from peripheral neuropathy compared to those with negative anti-TCblR Abs, showing characteristics as CA confined to the skin. In addition, we revealed that anti-TCblR Abs trigger the autocrine loop of interleukin-6 mediated by tripartite motif-containing protein 21 in human endothelial cells and induce periarterial inflammation in murine skin. Furthermore, we demonstrated that methylcobalamin, a ligand of TCblR, ameliorates inflammation caused by anti-TCblR Abs both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our investigation unveils the pathologic significance of anti-TCblR Abs in CA and their potential as a diagnostic marker and a pathophysiology-oriented therapeutic target.

Rapid improvement of systemic sclerosis-associated intestinal pseudo-obstruction with intravenous immunoglobulin administration.

OBJECTIVES: SSc is an autoimmune disease characterized by excessive fibrosis in multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI symptoms of SSc such as intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) are often refractory to conventional intervention and can result in longer in-hospital stay or even increased mortality. We aimed to summarize the insights to date regarding the efficacy of IVIG against GI symptoms of SSc to unveil what we should focus on in future studies. METHODS: Herein we report the response of GI symptoms in three cases with SSc-myositis overlap who received IVIG administration. We also conducted a systematic literature review to summarize previous reports regarding the efficacy of IVIG upon the GI manifestations of SSc, according to the PRISMA 2020 guideline. RESULTS: The case series demonstrated remarkable and rapid improvement of GI symptoms, including IPO, after IVIG administration. The literature review revealed that previous reports also support the efficacy and safety of IVIG against GI manifestations of SSc. However, they were all retrospective studies and lacking description of the short-term outcome after IVIG administration with objective and quantitative metrics. CONCLUSION: IVIG seems to be a promising therapeutic option for the management of GI symptoms in SSc, including IPO. Investigators should focus more on short-term outcomes to properly assess the therapeutic benefit of IVIG, ideally using reliable quantitative measures in a multicentre randomized placebo-controlled setting.

Utility of nailfold capillary assessment for predicting psoriatic arthritis based on a prospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: PsA is one of the most serious comorbidities associated with psoriasis. While the early intervention in PsA is demanded, risk factors of PsA development are not well-known. This is the first prospective study to evaluate the clinical significance of nailfold capillary (NFC) changes in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in a population of 449 psoriasis patients who had not been treated with systemic therapy or topical finger therapy. NFCs were observed by dermoscopy and capillaroscopy, and the correlation of NFC abnormalities, including nailfold bleeding (NFB) and enlarged capillaries, with the prevalence of PsA, incidence of new PsA, and serum levels of TNF-a, IL-17A and IL-23 were analysed. RESULTS: Detailed examination at the time of inclusion revealed that of 449 patients, 236 had Psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and 213 had PsA. Both NFB and enlarged capillaries were significantly more frequent in patients with PsA (34.7% vs 84.5%, P < 0.0001; 25.4% vs 100%, P < 0.0001). In addition, PsV patients were prospectively observed before they developed PsA (mean 21 months, 95% CI 2, 77 months). Multivariate analysis suggested that the appearance of NFB and enlarged capillaries was a predictor of PsA development (HR 2.75, 95% CI 1.38, 5.47 and HR 4.49, 95% CI 2.25, 8.96, respectively). The degree of NFC abnormalities also correlated with the severity of PsA and serum cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS: NFC abnormalities were suggested to be a predictor of PsA in psoriasis patients, and at the same time, its degree could be an indicator of disease severity.

Keratinocyte proline-rich protein modulates immune and epidermal response in imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin inflammation.

Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory skin disease thought to arise as a result of the infiltration of inflammatory cells and activation of keratinocytes. Recent advances in basic research and clinical experience revealed that the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis has been identified as a major immune pathway in psoriasis. However, it remains unclear how keratinocyte factors contribute to the pathology of psoriasis. Keratinocyte proline-rich protein (KPRP) is a proline-rich insoluble protein, which is present in the epidermis and is likely to be involved in the skin barrier function. Here, to investigate the potential roles of KPRP in psoriatic skin inflammation, Kprp-modified mice were applied in the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced skin inflammation model, which develops psoriasis-like epidermal hyperplasia and cutaneous inflammation features. Then, heterozygous knockout (Kprp+/- ) but not homozygous knockout (Kprp-/- ) mice displayed attenuated skin erythema compared to control wild-type mice. In addition, RNA sequencing, quantitative PCR and/or histological analysis detected changes in the expression of several molecules related to psoriatic inflammation or keratinocyte differentiation in Kprp+/- mice, but not Kprp-/- mice. Further analysis exhibited reduced IL-17-producing γδlow T cells and amplified epidermal hyperplasia in Kprp+/- mice, which were implied to be related to decreased expression of ß-defensins and increased expression of LPAR1 (Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1), respectively. Thus, our results imply that KPRP has the potential as a therapeutic target in psoriatic skin inflammation.

Utility of nailfold capillary assessment for predicting pustulotic arthro-osteitis in palmoplantar pustulosis based on a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pustulotic arthro-osteitis (PAO) is 1 of the most serious comorbidities associated with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). Risk factors of PAO development are not well-known. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of nailfold capillary (NFC) changes in patients with PPP. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in a population of 102 PPP patients. Correlations of NFC abnormalities, including nailfold bleeding and enlarged capillaries, with the prevalence of PAO, the incidence of new PAO, and serum levels of cytokines were analyzed. RESULTS: Detailed examination revealed that of 102 PPP patients, 52 without PAO and 50 with PAO. Both nailfold bleeding and enlarged capillaries were significantly more frequent in patients with PAO (50.0% vs 92.0%, P < .0001; 50.0% vs 94.0%, P < .0001). In addition, PPP patients without PAO were prospectively observed before they developed PAO (mean 28 months [1-52 months]). Multivariate analysis suggested that these NFC abnormalities were predictors of PAO development (hazard ratio 3.37, 95% confidence interval 1.13-10.07; 3.37, 1.13-10.07) and guselkumab prevent PAO development (0.093, 0.012-0.76). The degree of NFC abnormalities correlated with the severity of PAO and serum cytokine levels. LIMITATIONS: All participants were Japanese. CONCLUSION: NFC abnormalities could be predictors of PAO in PPP patients, and their degree indicators of disease severity.

Increased Serum Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-like Ligand 1A in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease with pruritus, affecting 5-20% of the population in developed countries. Though its cause varies from genetic polymorphisms to the environmental factors, the T-helper (Th) 2 inflammation is one of the main characteristic pathoses. TNF superfamily ligand A (TL1A) is a recently discovered cytokine, which is released by various immune cells and reported to have an ability to stimulate Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses. Its association was investigated in chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. However, its role on AD is unclear. To elucidate the association of TL1A in AD, we measured the serum TL1A levels in AD patients and healthy controls and performed the immunohistochemistry of TL1A. The result showed that the serum TL1A levels were higher in AD patients than healthy controls, and they positively correlated with the serum immunoglobulin E levels, serum Lactate dehydrogenase, and the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood. The immunohistochemistry of TL1A also showed TL1A expression in epithelium of AD samples. Because previous studies indicate TL1A has a certain role as an inflammation enhancer in Th2 and/or Th17 polarized disease, TL1A in AD may also has a role as an inflammation generator.

Predictors of rituximab effect on modified Rodnan skin score in systemic sclerosis: a machine-learning analysis of the DesiReS trial.

OBJECTIVES: The double-blind, parallel-group comparison, investigators initiated phase II clinical trial of IDEC-C2B8 (Rituximab) in patients with Systemic sclerosis (DesiReS) trial showed that rituximab is effective in treating skin sclerosis in SSc. However, which patient groups are likely to benefit from rituximab is unknown. METHODS: We performed post-hoc analysis of prospective data from 54 patients who received rituximab or placebo in the DesiReS trial. Twenty-seven baseline factors were used to investigate subpopulations with different magnitudes of rituximab effect on modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) change at 24 weeks. Based on a machine-learning algorithm called the causal tree, we explored the combination of predictors needed to identify subpopulations that would respond to rituximab and have good treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Three factors were identified as branches of the decision tree: peripheral blood CD19-positive cell counts', 'mRSS', and 'serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) levels'. It was only in the subpopulation of patients with CD19-positive cell counts of <57/µl that rituximab did not show a significant improvement in mRSS vs placebo. In the subpopulation of patients with CD19-positive cell counts of ≥57/µl and mRSS ≥ 17, mRSS was most improved with rituximab [difference -17.06 (95% CI: -24.22, -9.89)]. The second greatest improvement in mRSS with rituximab was in the subpopulation with CD19-positive cell counts of ≥57/µl, mRSS < 17, and serum SP-D levels of ≥151 ng/ml [difference -10.35 (95% CI: -14.77, -5.93)]. CONCLUSION: SSc patients who have high CD19-positive cell counts and high mRSS are expected to have greater improvement in mRSS with rituximab. When the patients with high CD19-positive cell counts show low mRSS, serum SP-D levels may modify the treatment effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04274257 and UMIN-CTR; https://center6.umin.ac.jp, UMIN000030139.

Decrease in MAP3Ks expression enhances the cell death caused by hyperthermia.

PURPOSE: Hyperthermia is a promising anticancer treatment modality. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the thermal sensitivity of tumor cells is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify how biochemical changes triggered by heat stimulate antitumor activity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The expression levels of various MAPK members in HeLa cells with or without hyperthermia were evaluated by western blotting and RT-PCR. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i was monitored by digital imaging using CaTM-2 AM. An in vitro cleavage assay was used to determine whether calcium-dependent protease calpain cleaves MAPK components. Cell proliferation and clonogenicity were assessed in the absence or presence of siRNAs targeting MAPK members. RESULTS: Hyperthermia decreased the levels of MAP3K TAK1, RAF1 and MEKK2 but not of the downstream MAP2K and MAPK members. The hyperthermia-induced degradation of TAK1 and MEKK2 was rescued by either the proteasome inhibitor MG132 or the calpain inhibitor ALLN; however, RAF1 was not affected by the inhibitors. Heat induced down regulation of RAF1. Hyperthermia increased [Ca2+]i and calpain I expression. The calcium ionophore A23187 decreased TAK1 and MEKK2 levels. An in vitro cleavage assay demonstrated that TAK1 and MEKK2 are calpain I substrates. Knockdown of TAK1, RAF1 and MEKK2 suppressed cell proliferation and clonogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthermia decreased the levels of MAP3K TAK1, RAF1 and MEKK2, without reduction of the downstream components in the MAP3K-MAP2K-MAPK cascade, by a calpain-dependent degradation pathway or transcriptional regulation. TAK1, RAF1 and/or MEKK2 play crucial roles in cell proliferation and clonogenicity and are potential molecular targets for hyperthermia.

Involvement of Molecular Mechanisms between T/B Cells and IL-23: From Palmoplantar Pustulosis to Autoimmune Diseases.

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a disease that causes recurrent blisters and aseptic pustules on the palms and soles. It has been suggested that both innate and acquired immunity are involved. In particular, based on the tonsils and basic experiments, it has been assumed that T and B cells are involved in its pathogenesis. In addition, the results of clinical trials have suggested that IL-23 is closely related to the pathogenesis. This review describes PPP and the genetic background, the factors involved in the onset and exacerbation of disease and its relation to the molecular mechanism. In addition, we describe the usefulness of biological therapy and its implications in relation to the importance in pathology, the pathogenesis of PPP, the importance of the role of the IL-23-Th17 axis and IL-36 in PPP. Furthermore, we describe an animal experimental model of PPP, the efficacy and mechanism of action of guselkumab, an anti-IL-23 antibody, the latest research, and finally the possibility for it to be effective for other autoimmune diseases.

Pharmacotherapy of Itch-Antihistamines and Histamine Receptors as G Protein-Coupled Receptors.

Itching can decrease quality of life and exacerbate skin symptoms due to scratching. Itching not only contributes to disease progression but also triggers complications such as skin infections and eye symptoms. Therefore, controlling itching is very important in therapeutic management. In addition to the well-known histamine, IL-31, IL-4 and IL-13 have recently been reported as factors that induce itching. Itching may also be caused by factors other than these histamines. However, we do not know the extent to which these factors are involved in each disease. In addition, the degree of involvement is likely to vary among individuals. To date, antihistamines have been widely used to treat itching and are often effective, suggesting that histamine is more or less involved in itchy diseases. This review discusses the ligand-receptor perspective and describes the dynamics of G protein-coupled receptors, their role as biased agonists, their role as inverse agonists, proactive antihistamine therapy, and drug selection with consideration of impaired performance and anti-PAF effects.

A potential contribution of decreased serum galectin-10 levels to systemic inflammation and pulmonary vascular involvement in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Galectin-10 (Gal-10) is a key molecule involved in eosinophil-mediated suppression of T-cell immune response. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by T helper (Th) 2/Th17 immune response and impaired function of regulatory T cells, but the pathological role of Gal-10 has not been studied so far. Therefore, we investigated the clinical correlation of serum Gal-10 levels in SSc patients. METHODS: Serum Gal-10 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 38 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), 30 with limited cutaneous SSc and 20 healthy controls. Clinical correlations of serum Gal-10 levels were examined. RESULTS: Serum Gal-10 levels were significantly lower in SSc patients than in healthy controls, especially in dcSSc patients, and inversely correlated with skin score, the percentage of predicted diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide and estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). Furthermore, serum Gal-10 levels had negative correlations with leucocyte counts and inflammatory parameters. Multivariate regression analysis identified C-reactive protein and RVSP as explanatory parameters for serum Gal-10 levels. CONCLUSION: Decreased serum Gal-10 levels may reflect the impairment of eosinophil-mediated regulatory system for T-cell immune response in SSc, possibly contributing to pulmonary vascular involvement leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Serum S100A12 levels: Possible association with skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis.

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) have drawn much attention as a member of disease-associated molecules in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the potential contribution of S100A12, a member of DAMPs, to the development of SSc by evaluating S100A12 expression in the lesional skin and the clinical correlation of serum S100A12 levels. S100A12 expression was markedly elevated in the epidermis of SSc-involved skin at protein levels and in the bulk skin at mRNA levels. The deficiency of transcription factor Fli1, a predisposing factor of SSc, enhanced S100A12 expression and Fli1 occupied the S100A12 promoter in normal human keratinocytes. Serum S100A12 levels were higher in SSc patients, especially in those with diffuse cutaneous involvement, than in healthy controls and positively correlated with skin score. Furthermore, the presence of interstitial lung disease significantly augmented serum levels of S100A12. Importantly, serum S100A12 levels correlated inversely with both per cent forced vital capacity and per cent diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and positively with serum levels of KL-6 and surfactant protein-D. Collectively, these results indicate a possible contribution of S100A12 to skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease associated with SSc, further supporting the critical roles of DAMPs in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Serum vasohibin-1 levels: A potential marker of dermal and pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.

Vasohibin-1 (VASH-1) is a potent anti-angiogenic factor mainly produced by endothelial cells. In addition, VASH-1 prevents TGF-ß-dependent activation of renal fibroblasts. Since systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of multiple organs, VASH-1 may be involved in the development of this disease. In this study, we investigated the potential role of VASH-1 in SSc by evaluating the clinical correlation between serum VASH-1 levels and the expression of VASH-1 in SSc-involved skin. Serum VASH-1 levels were higher in SSc patients, especially those with diffuse cutaneous involvement, than in healthy controls and positively correlated with skin score. Furthermore, SSc patients with interstitial lung disease had significantly elevated levels of serum VASH-1 as compared to those without. Importantly, serum VASH-1 levels correlated inversely with both the percentage of predicted vital capacity and the percentage of predicted diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide and positively with serum KL-6 levels, but not serum surfactant protein D levels. In SSc-involved skin, VASH1 mRNA was remarkably upregulated compared with healthy control skin, but the major source of VASH-1 was not clear. Fli1 deficiency, a predisposing factor inducing SSc-like endothelial properties, did not affect VASH-1 expression in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Collectively, these results suggest that VASH-1 upregulation in the skin and sera is linked to dermal and pulmonary fibrotic changes in SSc, while the contribution of VASH-1 to SSc vasculopathy seems to be limited.