| Causes of Scleroderma (MAIN MENU) | | | |
| Fetal Cells as a Possible Cause of Scleroderma |
| The cause of Scleroderma is unknown, but here is some interesting research. |
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| Overview of Fetal Cells and Scleroderma |
| Fetal cells as a cause of scleroderma is a hot topic of research and discussion lately. And since the topic is filled with intriguing possibilities, cutting-edge science, and unanswered questions, there is likewise some inescapable controversy. |
| Much greater minds than mine have flung themselves into this topic, only to emerge somewhat dazed and confused and with more questions than when they started. |
| Are fetal (non-self) cells the answer to what causes scleroderma — or are they just another piece of the puzzle? Here is an introduction to the topic, and then recommended reading, organized with care from basic (understandable!) articles down to the related background research materials. |
| FYI: Microchimerism refers to the presence of foreign cells in one's body or the harboring a small number of cells or DNA from a genetically different individual. |
| Research on Fetal Cells and Scleroderma |
| Microchimeric cells: guardians or actors of immunity in scleroderma? Up to now, although many studies gave some pieces of the big puzzle ‘microchimerism and its role in autoimmunity’, there is no clear understanding whether microchimerism is an actor in the immune response or an inefficient guardian of autoimmunity. Editorial. N. C. Lambert. Rheumatology 2007 46(3):382-383. |
| Immunophenotyping of chimeric cells in localized scleroderma. We report that not only are chimeric cells present in affected localized scleroderma lesions but they also are more likely to be dendritic cells and B lymphocytes suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of localized scleroderma. PubMed. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2006 Nov 4. (Also see: Causes of Morphea: Dendritic Cells) |
| Pathophysiology of fetal microchimeric cells. The transfer of microchimeric cells naturally takes place during pregnancy and occurs bi-directionally between the mother and fetus. Microchimeric cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including systemic sclerosis. PubMed. Clin Chim Acta. 2005 Jun 23. |
| Multi-lineage potential of fetal cells in maternal tissue: a legacy in reverse. Rather than triggering disease, fetal cells may instead combat it. PubMed. J Cell Sci. 2005 Apr 15;118(Pt 8):1559-63. (Also see: Pregnancy and Scleroderma) |
| Microchimerism and systemic sclerosis. These observations have raised questions about whether microchimeric cells are responsible for the pathologic events in systemic sclerosis or are merely remnants of a pregnancy remote in time, and it has been suggested that they might also have beneficial effects for the host. PubMed. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2005 Jan;17(1):86-90. |
| Fetal Cells and Other Autoimmune Diseases |
| Mothers And Offspring Can Share Cells Throughout Life. Cutting the umbilical cord doesn’t necessarily sever the physical link between mother and child. Many cells pass back and forth between the mother and fetus during pregnancy and can be detected in the tissues and organs of both even decades later. ScienceDaily. 05/08/08. |
| Gender matters in plasma transfusions. Blood banks are beginning to separate out women's plasma - the liquid part of blood - in an effort to fight a mysterious lung injury, TRALI, that has become the nation's leading risk from transfusions. CBS News. 01/22/07. |
| The possible role of microchimerism in the aetiology of autoimmune diseases. Microchimerism can also be found in healthy individuals. Additional genetic or environmental factors may be partly responsible for a disturbed balance between tolerance and aggression. PubMed. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Jul 9;149(28):1556-60. |
| Fetal cells in maternal tissue following pregnancy: what are the consequences? To date no investigators have proven that fetal cells cause autoimmune disease. Some researchers have demonstrated a lack of association between fetal cell microchimerism and autoimmunity. Due to these variable associations, the relationship between autoimmunity and microchimerism remains unclear. Human Reproduction Update 2004 10(6):497-502. |
