Systemic Diseases

The Systemic Diseases group performs translational research based on at least 300 patients with systemic lupus erytomatosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic sclerosis, vasculitis, dermatomyitis, Sjörgen syndrome or autoinflammatory syndromes in order to better understand their pathogenesis (both at the immunological and genetic regulation level), study their clinical and biological expression (through the detection of new markers that help characterize each of the autoimmune diseases), study morbimortality (through epidemiological studies) and analyse patients' response to medications. With these goals in mind, we seek to improve the diagnosis, clinical monitoring, and prognosis of our patients.

Research lines

Specific Antinuclear antibodies of scleroderma as markers for different clinical patterns.

We want to establish the relationship between the presence of specific autoantibodies for scleroderma (anti-centromere, anti-topoisomerase 1, anti-polymerase III, anti-U3 RNP, Anti-Th/To, Anti-Pm/Scl, anti-Ku) with the different demographic and clinical features as well as with the disease prognosis.

IP: Carmen Pilar Simeón i Aznar, Vicenç Fonollosa Pla

Canine-myositis study

In this study we collaborate with the Faculty of Veterinary located at the Barcelona Autonomous University (Dr. Santiago Lavin) along with the Department of Pathology of the University of California (Prof G. Diane Shelton).

The only myositis spontaneous animal model is found in dogs, especially in Collies, and when it accompanies cancer, in Boxers. Several antibodies have been described in dogs but it is not known if they are also found in humans. Alternatively, myositis specific antibodies may be positive or negative in dogs. If human beings and dogs share a common autoimmune response, a new door can be opened to deepen in the etiopathogenia and the species-specificity of these illnesses.

IP: Albert Selva O'Callaghan

Cellular microparticles study in women with and without antiphospholipid antibodies with recurrent pregnancy loses and preeclampsia.

Cellular microparticles (CMP) are released depending on the activation and/or the presence of cell apoptosis. They are capable of activating both inflammatory and coagulation pathways. It seems that levels of CMP are higher in healthy pregnant women. A working hypothesis establishes that an increase of CMP levels may be found in recurrent pregnancy loses and preeclampsia. It is thought that their thrombophilic capacity may be higher in those patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies, especially among those with lupus anticoagulant. We want to determine MPC levels in non-pregnant healthy women, pregnant women without previous abnormal obstetric events, women with recurrent pregnancy loses, and women with severe preeclampsia. We are also evaluating whether there are differences related to the presence or absence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Finally, we will also characterize the exact type of CMP (endothelial, platelet-like, leuco-monocyte, and throphoblastic).

IP: Jaume Alijotas Reig

Development of the European Registry on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome (EUROAPS/EUROMAP).

The so-called obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome seems to have pathogenic, biologic, therapeutic, and evolution features somehow different from the ones observed in those patients who suffer from "classic" antiphospholipid syndrome. Although experience and scientific evidence seem to support this idea, there is a lack of information that allows us to suggest changes in the classification and/or therapeutic criteria. The European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome has decided to carry on this project and it has chosen the Vall d'Hebron Hospital as the European Coordinating Centre. Many important Spanish and European hospitals will participate in this multicentric study.

IP: Jaume Alijotas Reig