PHYSIOPATHOLOGY OF SCLERODERMA

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a connective tissue disease characterized by an excessive accumulation of collagen in the main body organs. The subsequent progressive fibrosis may result in severe functional impairment of the tissue(s) involved. In this paper, recent advances in the understanding of the disease are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the role played by vascular lesions, inflammatory cell infiltrates, autoimmunity and possible abnormal secretion of cytokines in the distrubance of connective tissue production. A better knowledge of the pathophysiological process involved in scleroma might lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches.