Bosentan's Effects on T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis with Pulmonary Hypertension
Author Information
Author(s): Iannone F, Riccardi M T, Guiducci S, Bizzoca R, Cinelli M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Lapadula G
Primary Institution: University of Bari
Hypothesis
Does bosentan therapy affect the expression of adhesion molecules on T cells in patients with systemic sclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Conclusion
Bosentan therapy improves T cell function and reduces endothelial activation markers in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Supporting Evidence
- Serum soluble ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin, and PECAM-1 levels were higher in patients with SSc-PAH than in healthy donors at baseline.
- After 12 months of bosentan therapy, these serum levels fell to normal values.
- T cells expressing LFA-1 were significantly higher in patients with SSc-PAH at baseline and decreased after therapy.
Takeaway
This study shows that a medicine called bosentan helps improve the way certain immune cells work in patients with a disease that affects their blood vessels and lungs.
Methodology
The study involved 35 patients with systemic sclerosis, assessing T cell adhesion molecule expression and serum endothelial markers before and after bosentan treatment over 12 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of randomization and the open-label design.
Limitations
The study did not assess long-term effects beyond 12 months or include a control group receiving placebo.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of patients was 51.4 years, with a range from 27 to 75 years; all patients were assigned to the limited cutaneous subset of systemic sclerosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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