Osteoclastogenesis in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis With and Without Calcinosis Cutis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We aimed to assess whether the presence of radiographically confirmed calcinosis of the hands in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with increased osteoclastogenesis.

Methods

We recruited 20 patients with SSc (10 with calcinosis and 10 without calcinosis) and 10 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Hand radiographs were scored using the validated Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) radiographic severity score for calcinosis. To evaluate osteoclastogenesis, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor; osteoclasts were identified using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Measures of bone resorption (RANKL, osteoprotegerin [OPG]) and ischemia or endothelial func

SUBMITTER: Valenzuela A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11965697 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature