Clinical and Molecular Insights Into Anti-MDA5 Antibody-Positive Dermatomyositis: A Single-Center Retrospective and Transcriptomic Study.
Objective: To comprehensively characterize clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and prognostic biomarkers of anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis (MDA5-DM), incorporating transcriptomic analysis to elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 29 MDA5-DM patients, collecting detailed clinical and laboratory data. Prognostic factors were identified using LASSO regression, validated by Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Public transcriptomic dataset (GSE143323) was analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched immune pathways.
Results: Patients exhibited a high misdiagnosis rate (62.1%) and prevalent interstitial lung disease (96.6%), with 41.4% developing rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD). Serum KL-6 level emerged as an independent predictor of mortality (HR=2.96, p<0.01). Transcriptomic profiling revealed upregulation of IL-17, Toll-like receptor, and cytokine-receptor interaction pathways.
Conclusion: MDA5-DM presents formidable diagnostic challenges with high misdiagnosis rates and substantial mortality risk predominantly driven by RP-ILD. Serum KL-6 represents a robust, clinically applicable prognostic biomarker warranting integration into risk stratification protocols. Transcriptomic findings illuminate critical immune-inflammatory cascades, particularly cytokine networks and IL-17 signaling, offering mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic targets. Future multicenter prospective studies are essential to validate these biomarker findings and develop composite prognostic models incorporating clinical, radiographic, and molecular parameters.
期刊介绍:
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that focuses on the latest clinical and experimental research in all aspects of skin disease and cosmetic interventions. Normal and pathological processes in skin development and aging, their modification and treatment, as well as basic research into histology of dermal and dermal structures that provide clinical insights and potential treatment options are key topics for the journal.
Patient satisfaction, preference, quality of life, compliance, persistence and their role in developing new management options to optimize outcomes for target conditions constitute major areas of interest.
The journal is characterized by the rapid reporting of clinical studies, reviews and original research in skin research and skin care.
All areas of dermatology will be covered; contributions will be welcomed from all clinicians and basic science researchers globally.