Study of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Adults with Systemic Sclerosis and Other Connective Tissue Diseases

What this Trial Is About

Systemic Sclerosis SSc is a disease affecting the skin and organs, involving immune system dysfunction and overproduction of autoantibodies. Researchers are studying the role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps NETs, which are web-like structures released by neutrophils during NETosis, in SSc and their connection to disease complications and different forms of the condition. The study also compares NETs in SSc with other connective tissue diseases and healthy individuals. The study will include 100 SSc patients, 30 patients with other connective tissue diseases, and 130 healthy volunteers. Participants will provide blood samples to measure and analyze NETs production and composition. This observational study collects plasma, serum, and neutrophils to explore how NETs relate to disease features and immune responses. Participants will have blood drawn on the study day to assess NETs quantity and composition, as well as cytokines influencing NETs production. The primary outcome is measuring NETs generated after stimulation of neutrophils in vitro. Secondary outcomes include detailed analysis of NETs components and factors affecting their production. The study involves no treatment and lasts for the duration of sample and data collection on the enrollment day.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Different Forms of Systemic Sclerosis