Genetic susceptibility to systemic sclerosis: From clinical aspect to genetic factor analyses☆
Received 25 March 2008; received in revised form 18 June 2008; accepted 7 July 2008. published online 15 September 2008.
Abstract
Background
Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disease mainly characterized by vascular alteration and fibrosis involving skin but also visceral organs such as lungs, digestive tract, and heart. This disease leads to high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but recent attention has focus on genetic factors.
Objective
We first recall the main manifestations associated with systemic sclerosis and leading to its diagnosis and prognosis. Then we propose an overview on human genetics studies, as a number of genetic loci have been identified that appear to be associated with the disease.
Methods
Articles concerning association studies with candidate genes encoding for extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, and proteins involved in vascular tone and immune regulations are presented and discussed.
Results/conclusion
Systemic sclerosis is a multigenic complex disorder. Genetic associations are observed in distinct phenotypes such as the diffuse cutaneous form or the limited form, or in association with specific autoantibody pattern. Promising candidate genes are those involved in pathways that lead to the vascular damage and fibrosis. A better knowledge of crucial mediators involved in systemic sclerosis could in the future provide new therapeutic strategies to control the disease.
ABSTRACT