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eLetter #683 | November 4, 2016  

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 >>

Video: Posture into Health, Breathe into Life

Posture Video

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 >>

PHA On the Road: Tampa on Nov. 19, 2016

PAH On the RoadBetween 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

CME Lung Header
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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