1 -- Fibrosis: overview 2 -- Autoimmunity in systemic sclerosis: Overview 3 -- Endothelial progenitor cell 4 -- Animal models of systemic sclerosis 5 -- Genetics of Systemic Sclerosis 6 -- Role of the Interleukin-1 Family in the Fibrogenic Phenotype in Systemic Sclerosis 7 -- Interleukin-6 in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis 8 -- Epigenetics 9 -- Transforming Growth Factor-ß and Connective Tissue Growth Factor 10 -- Endothelin 11 -- The Role of B cells in Systemic Sclerosis 12 -- Fli1 13 -- Biomarker 14 -- Autoantibodies in Systemic Sclerosis

This book provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the research of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and immune activation. This disease is also associated with certain susceptibility genes and is affected by epigenetic regulation. Recent studies have revealed a variety of new evidence suggestive of the pathogenesis of the disease. These include endothelial progenitor cells, cytokines and growth factors, and B cells. Studies using animal models have also provided novel insight into the pathomechanisms. In addition to these topics, the book covers clinical research regarding biomarkers and autoantibodies. This volume will benefit all rheumatologists and dermatologists as well as basic scientists, especially immunologists, molecular biologists, and biochemists