Clinical and experimental rheumatology最新文献

{"title":"RANTES is a possible marker of paradoxical psoriatic arthritis.","authors":"En-Chih Liao, Yi-Da Wu, Shang-Hung Lin, Kuo-Lung Lai, Wei-Ting Chao, Chung-Yang Yen","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/ktbnx4","DOIUrl":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/ktbnx4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Biologic therapies have revolutionised the treatment of psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), significantly improving patient outcomes. However, paradoxical psoriatic arthritis (PPsA), a condition where biologics exacerbate joint inflammation, has emerged as a rare but concerning adverse effect. This study aimed to investigate the immunological mechanisms underlying PPsA and identify potential biomarkers associated with its development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cohort of 23 patients with PsO, with or without concurrent PsA, who had undergone biologic therapy, was analysed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and stimulated with Streptococcus pyogenes to mimic inflammatory outbreaks, followed by ex vivo treatment with the biologics each patient had experienced. Cytokine and chemokine levels were quantified to assess immune responses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients who developed PPsA exhibited a significant elevation in regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) levels (p = 0.001) after exposure to culprit biologics, compared to those without PPsA. Additionally, a notable decrease in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels was observed, suggesting altered immune dynamics. These findings indicate that RANTES plays a central role in the pathogenesis of PPsA and may serve as a predictive biomarker.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the importance of screening for elevated RANTES levels before initiating biologic therapy to mitigate PPsA risk. The results underscore the need for personalised therapeutic approaches and further research into the molecular mechanisms of PPsA, paving the way for safer and more effective treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"1638-1649"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144636282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of ultrasound in the interception of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis.","authors":"Niccolò Possemato, Alessandra Rai, Marianna Oliva, Nicolò Girolimetto, Carlo Salvarani, Antonio Marchesoni","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/vudu1q","DOIUrl":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/vudu1q","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin psoriasis (PsO) often precedes the development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with a PsO to PsA conversion rate of about 1.5-2% per year. A careful observation of the PsO patients may allow early detection, treatment, and maybe even prevention, of the rheumatic condition. In PsA patients, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) imaging can be used to investigate the presence of enthesitis, synovitis, tenosynovitis, and paratenonitis and this imaging technique has been shown to be more sensitive than clinical examination. MSK-US may reveal the presence of synovial and entheseal inflammation even in PsO patients without musculoskeletal symptoms and these findings might be considered indicative of subclinical PsA, although a clinical evaluation is essential to prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment. This narrative review provides an overview of the transition from PsO to PsA with a focus on the value of US examination in this context.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"1667-1677"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144636284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of the 2023 ACR/EULAR antiphospholipid syndrome classification criteria to patients fulfilling the 2006 revised Sapporo criteria.","authors":"Oh Chan Kwon, Jang Woo Ha, Min-Chan Park, Yong-Beom Park, Sang-Won Lee","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/r0irbn","DOIUrl":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/r0irbn","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) developed new classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in 2023. Although the new criteria yielded high specificity, further validation is needed in Asia, as the clinical characteristics of APS differ across ethnicities. We applied the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria to Korean patients classified as having APS by the 2006 revised Sapporo criteria and assessed the concordance rate between the criteria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>For this study, 126 patients with APS were included. Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed, and the fulfilment of the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria was assessed for each patient.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 126 patients classified by the 2006 revised Sapporo criteria, 107 had APS according to the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria, accounting for a concordance rate of 84.9%. The concordance rate differed according to the index event. Patients with venous thromboembolism had the highest concordance rate (100%), followed by those with arterial thrombosis (76.4%). Patients with obstetric events had the lowest concordance rate (45.5%), attributable to the stricter obstetric criterion in the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria than in the 2006 revised Sapporo criteria.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In Korean patients with APS, the concordance rate between the 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria and the 2006 revised Sapporo criteria was high. The concordance rate was considerably lower when confined to patients with obstetric APS. The 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria are stricter, particularly for obstetric events; its emphasis on specificity may result in the exclusion of patients with clinically significant obstetric APS.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"1604-1610"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143961567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A co-produced patient-reported outcomes-driven dashboard to support shared decision-making in rheumatologic diseases: a feasibility study.","authors":"Maja Kuharic, Courtney N Hurt, George J Greene, Eric Ruderman, Yvonne C Lee, Arthur M Mandelin, David Cella, John D Peipert","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/7ecam5","DOIUrl":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/7ecam5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored the potential of a co-produced clinical dashboard on shared decision-making (SDM) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and its usability in rheumatology care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a prospective, single-group, pretest-posttest study involving patients with rheumatologic diseases (RD). Patients completed PROs via their patient portal which was integrated with the electronic health record (EHR), and data were displayed on a dashboard accessible to clinicians. The collaboRATE tool assessed SDM. Changes in three Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) measures (Physical Function, Fatigue, Pain Interference) were evaluated using the Likely Change Index. Dashboard usability was assessed with the System Usability Scale (SUS), where a score above 68 indicates above-average usability, user satisfaction was assessed with the SPHERE questionnaire, and dashboard integration was assessed with the Normalization Measure Development (NOMAD) scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We enrolled 123 patients with RD between December 2021 and April 2022. The participants were predominantly female (80.3%), aged 24-82 years (mean: 54, SD: 15.0), with rheumatoid arthritis being the most common condition (37.4%). Three months after the dashboard integration, top box scores on all CollaboRATE questions increased significantly from 35% to 55% (p<0.001). The most significant PRO improvement was Pain Interference, with 35.5% of participants showing clinically significant improvement. The dashboard achieved an above-average user experience, as evidenced by its average SUS score of 75.9.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Integrating a clinical dashboard into RD management may support SDM and pain management. This innovative approach enhances interactions between patients and clinicians, and increases patient involvement in their care.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"1593-1603"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144752469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Discovering four sacroiliac joints in a patient with spondylarthritis.","authors":"Georgios A Drosos, Anastasia K Zikou, Paraskevi V Voulgari, Alexandros A Drosos","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/o4jl8q","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55563/clinexprheumatol/o4jl8q","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144944948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COVID-19 in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence, hospital admission, and risk of all-cause mortality before and after COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Mohammad Movahedi, Xiuying Li, Angela Cesta, Claire Bombardier, Elliot Hepworth, Sibel Zehra Aydin","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/00jq99","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55563/clinexprheumatol/00jq99","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>COVID-19 infection can trigger a cytokine storm, treatable with immunomodulating therapies similar to those used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated COVID-19 prevalence, hospitalisation, emergency department (ED) visits, and the impact of RA treatment and baseline characteristics on mortality in RA patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>RA patients from the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative (OBRI) were linked to Ontario healthcare records held at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). The study examined COVID-19 infection, ED visits, hospitalisation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions between January 1st 2020, and March 31st 2022, and the risk of all-cause mortality before and after the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 2,969 RA patients, 596 (20.1%) had COVID-19. Of those with COVID-19, 108 (18.1%) were hospitalised or visited ED. Females were more likely to be infected (81.9% vs. 76.5%; adj ORs:1.30; 95% CI: 1.01-1.66). COVID-19 patients were more likely to use biologics (52.5% vs. 46.1%; adj ORs:1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.57) or Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKi) (13.4% vs. 9.5%; adj ORs:1.44; 95% CI: 1.08-1.93). Older age (>80 years) (adj HR: 10.9; 95% CI:6.49-18.2), smoking (adj HR: 1.85; 95% CI:1.41-2.42), and higher disease activity score (adj HR: 1.09; 95% CI:1.00-1.18) were associated with higher all-cause mortality both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with stronger associations in the latter. JAKi were negatively associated with increased death before the pandemic (adj HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34-0.91).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>COVID-19 was higher in females, younger patients, those with comorbidities, and those using advanced therapies. Compared to pre-pandemic, higher death rates during the pandemic were associated with older age, oral steroid use, smoking, and higher disease activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144944898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research progress of NLRP3 in immune cells of systemic lupus erythematosus.","authors":"Yifan Liu, Yuqun Wang, Xiaodong Wang, Yajing Liu, Yingliang Wang","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/xmghi4","DOIUrl":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/xmghi4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents a multifaceted autoimmune disorder characterised by widespread organ involvement and abnormal autoantibody production. Its underlying mechanisms are closely related to immune system dysfunction. Recent advancements in immunological research have highlighted the pivotal role of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which acts as a key regulator of both innate and adaptive immunity. This molecular complex has attracted significant attention in SLE studies because it can drive pathological inflammation by modulating key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-18, thereby establishing itself as a critical focus in the investigation of SLE pathogenesis.In this review, we conducted a systematic examination of the structural and functional features of NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles, focused on the mechanism of their interaction with different immune cell populations during the development of SLE, and found that their dysfunctions in different immune cells jointly contributed to the pathological process of SLE. Moreover, potential therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles are discussed to introduce novel concepts to the research and treatment of SLE.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144945124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Primary versus systemic sclerosis-associated Raynaud's phenomenon: relationship with clinical and environmental factors.","authors":"Elvira Favoino, Marcella Prete, Vasiliki Liakouli, Adriana Sisto, Ada Corrado, Patrizia Leone, Giuseppe Lisco, Marta Vomero, Edoardo Biancalana, Emanuele Chiara, Giacomo Emmi, Vito Racanelli, Antonella Marcoccia, Rosa Daniela Grembiale, Francesco Paolo Cantatore, Luca Navarini, Piero Ruscitti, Francesco Ciccia, Roberto Giacomelli, Federico Perosa","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/m7qpn3","DOIUrl":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/m7qpn3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) can be induced by stress and environmental factors, occurring as a primary disease (pRP) or associated with connective tissue disease. RP is seen in more than 95% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may precede its diagnosis by several years. Accordingly, there is a clear need to identify those patients with RP who will eventually develop connective tissue disease, including SSc. The aim of this case-control study was to assess the association of SSc-RP versus pRP with respect to environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and clinical setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A questionnaire was used to collect current data from 180 patients with SSc-RP and 103 with pRP. Statistical analyses were performed to identify possible risk factors for SSc-RP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SSc-RP was found to be inversely associated with living in urban area (OR=0.37; p<0.001), computer use (OR=0.38, p<0.001), contraceptive use (OR=0.32; p=0.017), habitual alcohol use (OR=0.35; p=0.029), and hepatitis B virus vaccine (OR=0.09; p=0.011),while it was directly associated to cold sensitivity (OR=3.48; p=0.001), lower quality of life (OR=2.69; p<0.001), finger pain (OR=3.03; p<0.001) and autoimmune hypothyroidism (OR=3.62; p=0.007). All associations were supported by either multivariate and/or multivariable analyses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study revealed differences in lifestyle and preventive health behaviours between SSc-RP and pRP, and also suggests that patients with pRP and autoimmune hypothyroidism should be strictly monitored for any clinical changes that may indicate SSc onset. Further investigations are needed to prospectively evaluate autoimmune hypothyroidism as a predisposing condition for SSc-RP.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"1380-1385"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hopelessness is associated to severity of both digital vasculopathy and lung disease in systemic sclerosis patients: a prospective one-year study.","authors":"Pietro Bearzi, Luca Navarini, Luigi Capra Mattioli, Gioele Bindi, Marco Minerba, Chiara Salvolini, Antonio Orlando, Giulia Lanaia, Marta Vizzini, Teresa Cocchiaro, Marta Vomero, Onorina Berardicurti, Damiano Currado, Vasiliki Liakouli, Antonella Marcoccia, Roberto Giacomelli","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/cp6fec","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.55563/clinexprheumatol/cp6fec","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune fibrosing disease with multi-organ involvement, significantly impacting quality of life. This study assessed the burden of hopelessness and its clinical and psychosocial correlates in SSc patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>76 SSc patients were followed prospectively over one year. Clinical assessments included Medsger Severity Score (MSS), disease activity (revised EUSTAR Activity Index), modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), and digital ulcer (DU) presence and severity (DUCAS), Hand disability (HAMIS), Raynaud diary, and Raynaud's Condition Score (RCS). Psychosocial measures included the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Body Image Scale (BIS). Patients were stratified by BHS into mild (≤8) and moderate/severe (>8) hopelessness.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SSc patients had significantly higher BHS scores than controls (p<0.001). Moderate/severe hopelessness was linked to more severe disease (MSS: BHS>8 = 6 [4-10] vs. ≤8 = 3 [2-5], p=0.008) and worse MSS lung scores over time (p<0.05). BHS>8 was also associated with poorer HAMIS, RCS, and ADL function. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between hopelessness and MSS lung scores (Coeff = 0.490, CI [0.030-0.957], p=0.037), RCS (Coeff = 0.180, CI [0.029-0.329], p=0.019), and BIS (Coeff = 0.229, CI [0.165-0.292], p<0.001). In SSc patients with active DU, hopelessness correlated with DUCAS (Coeff =0.636, CI [0.033-1.239], p=0.039).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Hopelessness is common in SSc and linked to lung severity and digital vasculopathy, highlighting the importance of targeting hand function and pulmonary disease to improve psycho-social wellbeing.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":"43 8","pages":"1508-1515"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144774700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels are associated with skin thickness and metabolic syndrome features in patients with systemic sclerosis.","authors":"Iván Ferraz-Amaro, Santos Castañeda, Zena Ibrahim-Achi, Antonia de Vera-González, Mónica Renuncio-García, Esther F Vicente-Rabaneda, J Gonzalo Ocejo-Vinyals, Miguel Ángel González-Gay","doi":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/lad3qd","DOIUrl":"10.55563/clinexprheumatol/lad3qd","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multisystem disease characterised by microcirculatory vascular dysfunction and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein primarily secreted by immune cells and is known to be elevated in inflammatory states. Our study aims to investigate whether serum NGAL levels differ between individuals with SSc and healthy controls, and to explore its relationship with a comprehensive characterisation of disease features in SSc patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 81 individuals with SSc and 76 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. A multivariable analysis using linear regression was performed to determine whether NGAL serum levels differ between patients and controls, and to examine the relationship between NGAL levels and disease characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Serum levels of NGAL do not differ significantly between patients and controls (188±110 vs. 197±147 ng/ml, p=0.67). However, after multivariable analysis, extension of the skin involvement (beta coefficient 5 [95% confidence interval 0.5-10] ng/ml, p=0.030) and disease duration (beta coefficient 6 [95% CI 0.1-12] ng/ml, p=0.045) were significantly associated with higher NGAL levels. Additionally, in patients with SSc, NGAL levels were independently and significantly related to a dyslipidaemia pattern manifested by higher serum levels of several lipid profile markers, such as LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio, apolipoprotein B: apolipoprotein A1 ratio, and atherogenic index. Furthermore, a significant and negative association between NGAL and the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Sensitivity (HOMA2-S%) was found.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>NGAL serum levels in patients with SSc correlate positively and independently with extension of the skin involvement. NGAL levels also correlate with features of metabolic syndrome, such as a dyslipidaemic pattern and reduced insulin sensitivity, which may be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in patients with SSc.</p>","PeriodicalId":10274,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and experimental rheumatology","volume":" ","pages":"1391-1397"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143647474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}