Inflamm-Aging: A Mechanism of Aging That Contributes to the Characteristics of Skin Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract

Aging is associated with deterioration of the immune function. Two contributory mechanisms are inflamm-aging, which is a chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation, and immunosenescence, an impairment of adaptive immune function that may also contribute to the development of inflamm-aging. This age-related inflammatory event is associated with alteration to the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The effect of inflamm-aging on skin aging in healthy people is accepted; however, its effect on normal skin aging and/or skin characteristics in systemic sclerosis is unknown. The hypothesis presented herein suggests that inflamm-aging may contribute to the evolution of the skin phases in systemic sclerosis, which progress from edematous, fibrotic, and indurative phases to the atrophic phase.

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Systemic Sclerosis

“…autoimmune diseases include many diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Sjögren's syndrome. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), one of these autoimmune diseases, is characterized with extensive fibrosis of skin and internal organs [6]. Involvement of the musculoskeletal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal systems, and, rarely, lower urinary tract in SSc has been demonstrated in many studies [7,8].…”

Limited Joint Mobility of the Hand: Could It Be the Aging Hand?

“…Aging affects not only skin but also internal organs and musculoskeletal system. Accordingly, age-related alterations, senescence of cells, and inflamm-aging cause sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and degenerative changes [1][2][3]. One of the body parts most affected by aging within the musculoskeletal system is the hands.…”

“…Age associated functional deterioration of hands includes osteoarthritis, muscle weakness and disuse atrophy, changes in soft and hard tissues (such as muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, bone, hyaline cartilage, fingernails), and osteoporosis [4]. Furthermore, the ramifications of cutaneous aging induced by the dysregulated architecture of the extracellular matrix on the hands may exhibit variations contingent upon anatomical regions [1,4]. Consequently, the dorsal aspect of the hands is typified by a thin epidermal layer, whereas the palmar region and fingers exhibit a thicker skin profile reminiscent of sclerodactyly [4].…”