αvβ3 Integrin as a Link between the Development of Fibrosis and Thyroid Hormones in Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Key players mediating fibrosis are myofibroblasts (MF) that, following transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) exposure, produce a collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) that induces myofibroblast differentiation. Myofibroblasts express αvβ3 integrin (a membrane receptor for thyroid hormones) and miRNA-21 that promotes deiodinase-type-3 expression (D3), causing the degradation of triiodothyronine (T3) that attenuates fibrosis.

MiRNAs in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Markers and Effectors.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Early detection may improve patient outcomes.

Methods: We searched for circulating miRNAs that would constitute biomarkers in SSc patients with PAH (SSc-PAH).