Abstract Number: 1491 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Systemic Sclerosis – Effects of Agonistic Autoantibodies Directed Against the Angiotensin Receptor Type 1 and the Endothelin Receptor Type A On Effector Cells
Background/Purpose: Autoimmunity, vasculopathy and fibrosis are features of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The functional link between these three pathophysiological components is still missing. Research suggests an…Abstract Number: 1492 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
IL-13 Receptors and Signaling in the Dermal Fibroblasts From Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Background/Purpose: Interleukin (IL)-13 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in T helper type 2 cell immune response and in the development of fibrotic conditions such as…Abstract Number: 1493 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Transforming Growth Factor-β and Endothelin-1 Induce Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cultured Human Endothelial Cells
Background/Purpose: The endothelial/microvascular injury and the myofibroblast activation are crucial events that seem to contribute to the development of fibrosis in connective tissue diseases such…Abstract Number: 1494 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
CD40 Signaling Results in Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction: A Possible Clue to the Pathogenesis of Scleroderma Vasculopathy
Background/Purpose: Increased expression of CD40 in SSc- Microvascular Endothelial Cells (MVEC) was noted on a gene expression array and increased concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L)…Abstract Number: 1495 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Platelet Aggregability, Eicosanoid Biosynthesis and Oxidative Stress in Primary Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Systemic Sclerosis
Background/Purpose: Increased platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress are all thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), particularly in the context…Abstract Number: 1496 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Downregulated Expression of Metallothionein Genes in Response to the Gadolinium Contrast Agent Omniscan in Normal Human Differentiated Macrophages and Dermal Fibroblasts
Background/Purpose: Metallothioneins bind heavy metals with high affinity and can serve as storage proteins for labile Zn2+ which in turn can regulate immune system activity…Abstract Number: 1456 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
A Tolerogenic Peptide Down-Regulates the Expression of Interferon-a in Murine and Human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Background/Purpose: The tolerogenic peptide, designated hCDR1, was shown to ameliorate manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) via down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, up-regulation of immunosuppressive cytokines…Abstract Number: 1457 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
A Novel Small Molecular Anti-Rheumatic Drug, T-614, Ameliorates Lupus-Like Disease in MRL/Lpr Mice by Suppressing B Cell Functions
Background/Purpose: T-614 is a small molecular drug that has multiple immunomodulatory effects and has been used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Previous work has revealed this…Abstract Number: 1458 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction May Play a Role in Pathophysiology and Poor Prognosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Systemic Sclerosis
Background/Purpose: Cardio-pulmonary involvements of systemic sclerosis (SSc), including cardiomyopathy, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are leading causes of SSc-related deaths. Several potent…Abstract Number: 1459 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Limited Utility of Pulmonary Function Tests and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide As Screening Tools for Pre-Capillary Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Background/Purpose: A series of recent studies indicate that early detection of pulmonary hypertension (PH) improves a survival in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Thus, annual…Abstract Number: 1460 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Unmasking Latent Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by Fluid Challenge in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Background/Purpose: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in Systemic Sclerosis. Early diagnosis and treatment leads to substantial improvements in quality…Abstract Number: 1461 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Clinical Outcomes of Scleroderma Patients At High Risk for Pulmonary Hypertension. Analysis of the Pulmonary Hyparternsion Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma Registry
Background/Purpose: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the most frequent cause of death in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). It is critical to identify patients early to begin…Abstract Number: 1462 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Expert Consensus for Performing Right Heart Catheterization in Suspicion of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Systemic Sclerosis: A Delphi Consensus Study with Cluster Analysis From the Eposs Group
Background/Purpose: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has emerged as a critical cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recent data have highlighted the poorer outcomes of SSc…Abstract Number: 1463 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Pulmonary Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease within Pharos: Impact of Extent of Fibrosis and Pulmonary Physiology On Cardiac Hemodynamic Parameters
Background/Purpose: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are the leading causes of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Many SSc patients have both…Abstract Number: 1464 • 2012 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Comparison of Baseline Characteristics of the Combined Response Index for Systemic Sclerosis (CRISS) Cohort to Patients Enrolled in Clinical Trials of Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis
Background/Purpose: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of treatment of diffuse systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) would benefit from a composite index that predicted efficacy better than current standard…