[Frontiers in Bioscience E2, 521-525, January 1, 2010]

Progressive Systemic Sclerosis- from the molecular background to innovative therapies

Peter Szodoray1, Emese Kiss2

1Immunobiological Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway, 2National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Budapest, Hungary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Therapeutic approaches in systemic sclerosis
3.1. Immune-modulating treatment
3.2. Medications, affecting rheological parameters
3.3. Anti-fibrosis agents
3.4. Symptomatic treatment
4. Novel immune-modulating approaches
4.1. Autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in systemic sclerosis (SSc)
4.2. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy in systemic sclerosis (SSc)
5. Concluding remarks
6. References

1. ABSTRACT

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disorder. The cornerstones of the pathogenesis are vascular damage, fibrogenesis and various cellular and humoral autoimmune processes. The aim of the present review is to describe pathogenic steps, leading to the hallmark clinical picture of SSc. Indeed, numerous therapeutical approaches have been tested/are in use, directed towards vascular damage, fibrogenesis, as well as autoimmune processes in order to decelerate the progression of the disease. These therapies are also discussed in the review. Finally, we described certain novel immune-modulating possibilities, namely autologous stem-cell transplantation and extracorporeal photochemotherapy.