Ramona Marrapodi1, Chiara Pellicano2, Giovanna Radicchio1, Giorgia Leodori2, Stefania Colantuono1, Andrea Iacolare2, Antonietta Gigante2, Marcella Visentini1, Edoardo Rosato3. 1. Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 2. Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 3. Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: edoardo.rosato@uniroma1.it.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate expansion of CD21low B cells and their role in B cell homeostasis, apoptosis, clinical manifestations and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). MATERIALS AND METHODS: B-cells subpopulations and apoptosis have been assessed in 74 SSc patients and 20 healthy donors. Renal Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, pulmonary function test and VEGF were performed. RESULTS: SSc patients with expanded CD21low B cells (SSc-CD21low) show a distinct B cell profile with increased memory B cells compared to patients without CD21low B cells (SSc-CD21+). Renal resistive index, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and FVC/DLCO ratio were significantly higher in SSc-CD21low group than SSc-CD21+, DLCO was lower in SSc-CD21low group than SSc-CD21+. We found a positive linear correlation between CD21low and sPAP, RI and FVC/DLCO ratio whereas a negative correlation was observed between CD21low and DLCO and VEGF levels. CONCLUSIONS: CD21low B cells are increased in SSc patients with visceral vascular manifestations.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate expansion of CD21low B cells and their role in B cell homeostasis, apoptosis, clinical manifestations and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). MATERIALS AND METHODS: B-cells subpopulations and apoptosis have been assessed in 74 SScpatients and 20 healthy donors. Renal Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, pulmonary function test and VEGF were performed. RESULTS:SScpatients with expanded CD21low B cells (SSc-CD21low) show a distinct B cell profile with increased memory B cells compared to patients without CD21low B cells (SSc-CD21+). Renal resistive index, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and FVC/DLCO ratio were significantly higher in SSc-CD21low group than SSc-CD21+, DLCO was lower in SSc-CD21low group than SSc-CD21+. We found a positive linear correlation between CD21low and sPAP, RI and FVC/DLCO ratio whereas a negative correlation was observed between CD21low and DLCO and VEGF levels. CONCLUSIONS: CD21low B cells are increased in SScpatients with visceral vascular manifestations.
Authors: Erin M Wilfong; Todd Bartkowiak; Katherine N Vowell; Camille S Westlake; Jonathan M Irish; Peggy L Kendall; Leslie J Crofford; Rachel H Bonami Journal: Front Immunol Date: 2022-02-21 Impact factor: 8.786
Authors: Erin M Wilfong; Katherine N Vowell; Kaitlyn E Bunn; Elise Rizzi; Narender Annapureddy; Rosemarie B Dudenhofer; April Barnado; Rachel H Bonami; Joyce E Johnson; Leslie J Crofford; Peggy L Kendall Journal: Clin Exp Med Date: 2021-08-10 Impact factor: 5.057