Why is early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis vital?

Early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is crucial as it allows for timely intervention, perhaps minimizing the impact of the disease on patients' lives and preventing severe complications such as digital ulcers, skin fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease.

What are the key indicators of disease progression in very early systemic sclerosis?

Key indicators of disease progression in very early SSc include the onset of digital ulcers or gangrene, a modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥1, scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), new interstitial lung disease (ILD) on CT scan, new pulmonary arterial hypertension, new synovitis, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, or forced vital capacity (FVC) or diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) below 80% of predicted.

How common are clinically important events in patients with very early systemic sclerosis?

research indicates that over half (51.1%) of patients with very early SSc develop clinically significant events within 5 years. The cumulative progression probability rises from 11.1% at 12 months to 65.6% at 60 months.

What types of hematological malignancies are more common in individuals with systemic sclerosis?

Individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have a higher risk of developing hematological malignancies, including lymphoid, plasma cell, myeloid, and B cell malignancies, compared to individuals without SSc.

Are there specific groups of systemic sclerosis patients who are at higher risk for hematological malignancies?

Yes, the risk of hematological malignancies is highest in men and in individuals whose systemic sclerosis (SSc) developed at a young age (18-49 years).

Friday, December 5, 2025

Tag:

Fibrosis

Q: How common are clinically important events in patients with very early systemic sclerosis?

research indicates that over half (51.1%) of patients with very early SSc develop clinically significant events within 5 years. The cumulative progression probability rises from 11.1% at 12 months to 65.6% at 60 months.

Q: What types of hematological malignancies are more common in individuals with systemic sclerosis?

Individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have a higher risk of developing hematological malignancies, including lymphoid, plasma cell, myeloid, and B cell malignancies, compared to individuals without SSc.

Q: Are there specific groups of systemic sclerosis patients who are at higher risk for hematological malignancies?

Yes, the risk of hematological malignancies is highest in men and in individuals whose systemic sclerosis (SSc) developed at a young age (18-49 years).

Q: What is the VEDOSS project, and what has it revealed about systemic sclerosis?

The VEDOSS project has shown that 70% of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and at least one red flag (SSc-specific antibodies, puffy fingers, or an SSc pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy) will meet the 2013 ACR/EULAR SSc criteria within 5 years, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Health

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Fibrosis, HSCs, and New Treatment Targets

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 31, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Liver Scarring: The Hidden Pathway to Cancer Revealed

World-today-News.com | January 15, 2025

New research published in *Hepatology International* has illuminated the critical link between liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The study details how chronic liver damage transforms healthy tissue into a pro-cancerous surroundings, with over 80% of HCC cases originating from advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.

At the heart of this change are hepatic stellate cells (hscs). When activated by persistent liver injury, such as from viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption, HSCs initiate the deposition of stiff scar tissue. This scar tissue isn’t merely structural; it actively secretes molecules that promote tumor development, such as VEGF and Ang-1, which fuel blood vessel growth for tumors. Moreover, these activated HSCs can suppress the body’s immune response by expressing PD-L1, effectively hiding cancer cells from immune surveillance. In a concerning development, HSCs can also morph into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which further accelerate the progression of malignancy.

The review also highlights the role of disrupted cellular signaling pathways, including TGF-β‑smad, NF-κB, and Wnt, alongside changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), mitochondrial function, and epigenetic modifications.These cumulative alterations create a microenvironment within the liver that is highly conducive to cancer formation.

“This fibrosis-to-cancer axis isn’t inevitable,” stated co-author Dr.Peng Luo of Southern Medical University. “By targeting key mechanisms – like HSC activation or immune evasion – we can intercept progression before malignancy takes hold.”

Promising therapeutic avenues are emerging, including:

Liquid Biopsies: These advanced diagnostic tools can detect tumor DNA and exosomes in bodily fluids, offering the potential for early cancer detection.
CAF-targeting Therapies: Treatments aimed at disrupting the tumor-supportive niches created by CAFs, such as FAP inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies, are showing promise.
Combination Therapies: Strategies that simultaneously target fibrosis drivers and bolster the immune system, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, are being explored to prevent the transition to cancer.

The research team stressed the critical importance of early intervention. “Reversing fibrosis is possible, but once HCC develops, prognosis plummets. Our findings spotlight actionable checkpoints to prevent this transition,” they emphasized.

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in health and medicine. Comment below with your thoughts, and Subscribe to World-Today-News.com for daily updates.

July 31, 2025 0 comments

Health

Blocking Epac1 Protein Slows Lung Fibrosis in Preclinical Models

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 16, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

This article discusses a new research finding that suggests blocking a protein called Epac1 could be a promising new treatment strategy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF),a devastating lung disease.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

The Problem: IPF causes scarring and thickening of lung tissue, leading to irreversible damage and difficulty breathing. Current treatments are limited.
The Discovery: researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai identified Epac1 as a protein that is overactive in fibrotic lungs.
The Mechanism: They found that Epac1 plays a harmful role in IPF and is linked to a process called “neddylation,” which affects protein regulation in the disease.
The Solution: By genetically removing Epac1 in mice or using a drug (AM-001) that inhibits Epac1, the researchers observed a significant reduction in lung scarring and fibrosis. This protective effect was seen across various models, including human lung tissue.
The Significance: This is the first study to demonstrate Epac1’s harmful role in IPF and show that targeting it with a drug can be beneficial. It opens up a new avenue for understanding and treating IPF.
Future Steps: While promising, this is early-stage research.Further studies, including testing in larger animal models and clinical trials, are needed before Epac1 inhibitors can be developed into a therapy for patients.
* The Goal: The ultimate aim is to develop targeted treatments that can slow or stop IPF progression, improving the quality of life for patients who currently have few options.

In essence,the research highlights Epac1 as a potential therapeutic target for IPF,offering a glimmer of hope for a new treatment strategy.

July 16, 2025 0 comments

Health

AI Beats Doctors at Predicting Sudden Cardiac Arrest Risk

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 2, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

AI Outperforms Doctors in predicting Cardiac Arrest, Could Save Lives

Baltimore, MD – A groundbreaking new artificial intelligence model is demonstrating significantly higher accuracy than doctors in identifying patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, offering the potential to save lives and reduce unneeded medical interventions. Developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University,the AI analyzes a extensive range of medical data,including previously underutilized heart imaging,to reveal hidden indicators of heart health [[1]].

The research, published today in Nature Cardiovascular Research, focuses on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common inherited heart disease affecting roughly 1 in 200-500 people globally and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death, particularly in young people and athletes [[1]]. Currently, identifying high-risk patients has proven challenging for clinicians.

“Currently we have patients dying in the prime of their life because they aren’t protected and others who are putting up with defibrillators for the rest of their lives with no benefit,” explains Natalia Trayanova, the senior author and a researcher specializing in AI in cardiology [[1]]. “We have the ability to predict with very high accuracy whether a patient is at very high risk for sudden cardiac death or not.”

Existing clinical guidelines used to assess risk have only about a 50%

July 2, 2025 0 comments

Health

Early Sclerosis: Predicting Disease Progression From First Signs

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor June 13, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Early Systemic sclerosis Diagnosis Key to Preventing Severe Outcomes

Table of Contents

Early Systemic sclerosis Diagnosis Key to Preventing Severe Outcomes

Barcelona, Spain - New data presented at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) congress underscores the critical role of early diagnosis in managing systemic sclerosis (SSc). Research indicates that early intervention can significantly minimize the impact of SSc, a chronic autoimmune disease, on patients' lives by preventing severe complications.Moreover, a seperate study reveals an elevated risk of hematological malignancies among individuals with SSc, particularly in men and those diagnosed at a younger age.

VEDOSS Project Highlights Early Disease Progression

the VEDOSS (Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis) project has been instrumental in identifying individuals at high risk of developing ssc. A previous VEDOSS study indicated that 70% of patients exhibiting Raynaud's phenomenon, along with at least one "red flag" such as SSc-specific antibodies, puffy fingers, or an SSc pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy, would meet the 2013 ACR/EULAR SSc criteria within five years. However,researchers emphasize that meeting classification criteria doesn't always reflect clinically relevant disease progression. Rather,early events like digital ulcers,skin fibrosis,or interstitial lung disease (ILD) might potentially be more reliable indicators.

Stefano Di Donato and his team evaluated the progression of 442 VEDOSS patients who did not initially meet the 2013 criteria and had no clinical endpoints at the start of the study.Progression was defined by the first occurrence of any of the following within five years: digital ulcer or gangrene, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥1, scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), new ILD on CT scan, new pulmonary arterial hypertension, new synovitis, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, or forced vital capacity (FVC) or diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) below 80% of predicted. The study found that 51.1% of patients developed one of these clinically significant events during the follow-up period. The cumulative progression probability was 11.1% at 12 months, increasing to 41.5% at 36 months and 65.6% at 60 months.

Did You Know? The modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) is a tool used to assess the thickness of the skin in patients with systemic sclerosis.A higher score indicates more severe skin involvement.

The most frequent events observed were mRSS ≥1 (31.5%),DLCO decline (29.8%), and first digital ulcer or gangrene (15.1%). Notably, almost two-thirds of patients experienced a clinically significant event before meeting the full classification criteria for SSc. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to minimize the impact of SSc on patients' lives.

Increased risk of Hematological Malignancies in SSc Patients

Systemic sclerosis is associated with high mortality, partly due to heart and lung complications, and also related comorbidities. Recent research has highlighted a significantly higher cancer risk for individuals with an SSc diagnosis.Karin Gunnarsson presented findings from Swedish population-based healthcare registers, shedding light on the increased risk of hematological malignancies in SSc patients. The study compared 1,720 individuals with SSc to a control group matched by sex, age, and residential area. The researchers identified first-time hematological malignancies in 1.6% of individuals with SSc compared to 0.9% in the control group. This translates to a crude incidence rate of 2.3 versus 1.2 per 1000 person-years, with elevated hazard ratios for lymphoid, plasma cell, myeloid, and B cell malignancies.

The risk differences were most pronounced in men and individuals diagnosed with SSc at a young age (18-49 years). These findings emphasize the need for increased vigilance and monitoring for hematological malignancies in SSc patients,particularly in these higher-risk groups. According to the American Cancer Society, hematological malignancies account for approximately 10% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States each year American Cancer Society.

Pro Tip: Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for individuals with systemic sclerosis,especially those with additional risk factors for hematological malignancies.

Key Progression Events in Systemic Sclerosis

Event	Percentage of Patients
mRSS ≥1	31.5%
DLCO Decline	29.8%
First Digital Ulcer or Gangrene	15.1%

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early identification and intervention are crucial in managing SSc due to its potential for severe complications and high mortality. The progression to clinical signs in people with VEDOSS red flags validates the importance of very early diagnosis. by identifying and addressing the disease in its early stages, healthcare professionals can work to minimize the impact of SSc on patients' lives and improve their overall outcomes.

What steps can be taken to improve early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis?

How can healthcare providers better monitor SSc patients for hematological malignancies?

Evergreen Insights: Understanding Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc),also known as scleroderma,is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. The disease can affect various organs, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys.while the exact cause of SSc is unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.The disease is more common in women than in men, and typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50 Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Past trends in SSc research have focused on improving diagnostic criteria and developing targeted therapies to manage specific complications of the disease.Early diagnosis and intervention have become increasingly recognized as critical factors in improving patient outcomes. Ongoing research efforts are aimed at identifying novel biomarkers for early detection and developing more effective treatments to slow disease progression and prevent organ damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Systemic Sclerosis

What are the early symptoms of systemic sclerosis?: Early symptoms of systemic sclerosis can include Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers and toes turning white or blue in response to cold or stress), puffy fingers, and thickening of the skin. Other symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, and heartburn.
How is systemic sclerosis diagnosed?: systemic sclerosis is diagnosed based on a combination of clinical findings, such as skin thickening and Raynaud's phenomenon, as well as blood tests to detect SSc-specific antibodies. Nailfold capillaroscopy, a non-invasive test that examines the small blood vessels in the nail folds, can also be used to aid in diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for systemic sclerosis?: There is currently no cure for systemic sclerosis, but various treatments are available to manage symptoms and prevent complications. These may include medications to suppress the immune system, treat Raynaud's phenomenon, and manage organ-specific complications such as lung disease and kidney problems.Physical therapy and occupational therapy can also help improve function and quality of life.
What is the prognosis for individuals with systemic sclerosis?: The prognosis for individuals with systemic sclerosis varies depending on the extent and severity of organ involvement. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms and slow disease progression, while others may develop more severe complications that can affect their quality of life and survival. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve outcomes.
Can lifestyle changes help manage systemic sclerosis?: Yes, certain lifestyle changes can help manage systemic sclerosis symptoms. These may include avoiding smoking, protecting the skin from sun exposure, staying warm in cold weather, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.It is also important to manage stress and get adequate rest.

This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Share this article to raise awareness about the importance of early systemic sclerosis diagnosis. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or experiences!

June 13, 2025 0 comments

Health

Eliminating stellate cells reduces liver metastasis in mouse models

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com June 10, 2025

written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Liver Cells May Hold Key to Blocking Cancer Spread

New Research Reveals Unexpected Role in Metastasis

A surprising discovery from the University of the Basque Country suggests that cells normally dedicated to liver repair can inadvertently fuel the growth of metastatic tumors, offering a potential new target for cancer therapies.

Unexpected Turn for Healing Cells

Researchers have long known that hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in liver healing, creating scar tissue to protect against damage from conditions like fibrosis and fatty liver disease. However, a study published in Hepatology Communications reveals a darker side to these cells: they actively promote the development of cancer that has spread to the liver.

As Aitor Benedicto, a researcher specializing in the tumor microenvironment at the University of the Basque Country, explained, when metastatic cells reach the liver, the stellate cells are activated and proliferate; besides secreting collagen, they contribute to the formation of new blood vessels and, as a result of various factors that hamper the body’s defences, contribute to the development of tumor cells.

The team’s experiments on mice demonstrated that eliminating these activated stellate cells dramatically reduced metastasis. This improvement was linked to decreased collagen buildup, blocked blood vessel formation, and a strengthened immune response within the liver, effectively removing a critical support system for the tumor.

Multiple Cancers Affected

Liver metastasis is a common and often deadly complication of several primary cancers, including colon, pancreatic, breast, and melanoma. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 5% of adults in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in their lifetime (American Cancer Society, 2024). Benedicto and his colleagues are investigating whether the effect observed with stellate cells is consistent across different cancer types.

“We already know that these cells have the ability to promote the development of metastasis. Now,”

—Aitor Benedicto, Researcher

Initial studies with colon cancer and melanoma have shown a similar response, suggesting the liver’s reaction—or the stellate cells themselves—respond in the same way regardless of the originating cancer. The researchers are now focusing on pancreatic cancer to confirm these findings.

Unlocking New Treatment Strategies

The research team is now analyzing the specific proteins expressed by stellate cells and surrounding tissues when metastasis develops. By identifying these changes, they hope to pinpoint potential targets for new therapies designed to disrupt the tumor’s support network. Benedicto stated, We eliminated the support that the metastatic tumor had.

Benedicto expressed optimism about the potential for future breakthroughs, noting, We’ve got some nice results. Although there is still a long way to go, the results achieved are hugely significant. We are closer to a cure than ever. He also highlighted the existing research aimed at deactivating stellate cells in the context of liver diseases, suggesting a possible synergy between these efforts and the new findings.

June 10, 2025 0 comments