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eLetter #683 | November 4, 2016 |
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Researchers Have Identified Method to Slow Fibrosis in Scleroderma
Theresa Lu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Hospital for Special Surgery summarizes an important study where researchers have identified a method to slow fibrosis in scleroderma:
We observed that
mesenchymal stem cells (these are cells that have the power to
differentiate into a variety of cell types including fat, muscle, bone,
and cartilage) that are in the fat under the skin are lost
in mouse models of scleroderma skin fibrosis. The few remaining stem
cells depend on an immune cell called dendritic cells and a molecule
that they express called lymphotoxin in order to survive. We found that
if we treat stem cells with lymphotoxin that
we can improve their survival. When the mesenchymal stem cells survive
longer we see a decrease in fibrosis in the mouse. These results
suggest a way to improve mesenchymal stem cell therapy.
Read more about the study >>
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Video: Posture into Health, Breathe into Life
In this presentation, Tammy Gilbert, P.T., D.P.T., discusses how bad
posture may contribute to your chronic pain levels. She shows you
simple ways to incorporate exercise into your daily life and overcome
the challenges that scleroderma patients face when trying to exercise.
Watch the entire session >>
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PHA On the Road: Tampa on Nov. 19, 2016
Between 8 and 12 percent of people living with scleroderma could develop
pulmonary hypertension. Want to learn more information about this from
medical professionals and network with other patients and caregivers?
Join PHA on the Road—a
FREE all-day program taking place in Tampa, FL, on Saturday, Nov. 19.
In addition to free registration, breakfast, lunch, valet parking and
daycare – parking is complimentary.
Be sure to register today >> |
Continuing Medical Education Opportunity
The Scleroderma Foundation is pleased to announced its latest Continuing Medical Education (CME) offering. "The Lung in Scleroderma" is a web activity designed for physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. The session faculty are: Virginia Steen, M.D., Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and Elizabeth Volkmann, M.D., University of California, Los Angeles.
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:
- Develop material to increase awareness about the need for early
diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and interstitial
fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
- Implement recent updates on the diagnostic methods and outcome
measures used in scleroderma patients with pulmonary hypertension or
interstitial fibrosis.
- Discuss special circumstances where evaluation of prognosis and
appropriate modification of treatment requires additional
debate/discussion.
Find out more about this opportunity >> |
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Disclaimer: The Scleroderma Foundation in no way
endorses any drugs, treatments, clinical trials, or studies reported in the eLetter. Information is
provided to keep the readers informed. Because the manifestations and severity of scleroderma vary among individuals, personalized medical management is essential. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all drugs and treatments be discussed with the reader’s physician(s) for proper evaluation and treatment.
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