Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive scarring and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, often causing lethal tissue damage. The underlying mechanism behind this fibrosis is poorly understood, and the condition is currently incurable, with a high mortality rate. A study from the University of Michigan has found the influence of inflammation and metabolism in the disease process.
The study, conducted using human patient samples, preclinical mouse models, and explanted human skin, found that scleroderma inflammation upregulates cluster of differentiation - 38 (CD38) , responsible for the breakdown of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). A decrease in NAD+ causes increased tissue destruction , leading to scar formation and fibrosis. Researchers also found that treatment with agents that decreased NAD+ reduction prevented scarring of the skin,…
