to test a variety of therapies that are intended to be more targeted than current therapies used for the treatment of lupus. Our basic research efforts focus on the role of reactive intermediates in the pathogenesis and disease damage involved in lupus, the role of complement in lupus, and genes involved in regulation of inflammatory processes in lupus. Please visit our individual faculty pages to learn about each member’s research interests. Patients interested in participating in research are invited to contact one of our study coordinators to learn more details about our research trials. Scleroderma and Raynaud Phenomenon
The Medical University of South Carolina Division of Rheumatology and Immunology has had an ongoing interest in both basic and clinical research into the causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and Raynaud Phenomenon, which often accompanies systemic sclerosis. Research areas being actively pursued by the faculty include investigation of the causes of fibrosis (which causes the thickening of the skin and lungs). This research focuses on such areas as regulation of fibroblast collagen production and differentiation. Research is ongoing to understand the effects of certain proteins, such as transforming growth factor beta and caveolin-1, on collagen production. Investigations are underway to understand the intracellular signaling occurring within the fibroblasts which lead to abnormal collagen production. Basic research is also looking into genetic variations that may cause individuals to develop scleroderma. One avenue being pursued is the effects that may be caused by genes which play a role in oxidative stress (such as glutathione-S-transferase). The possibility of conducting whole genome analysis of a group of scleroderma patients is being explored. The role of PPAR-gamma in lung fibrosis in scleroderma is being actively investigated. Clinical research is being performed to investigate the roles of immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil in scleroderma lung fibrosis. The use of medications such as sildenafil, bosentan, and trepostinil for pulmonary hypertension in scleroderma is being pursued. A treatment for the Raynaud phenomenon, which usually accompanies scleroderma, using a new formulation of nitroglycerin is currently underway. There are plans to perform studies of the use of sirolimus (rapamycin) and also oral collagen for scleroderma treatment. If you are interested in a clinical trial please contact Ms. Katie Caldwell, the scleroderma study coordinator at 843-792-2014. | 
