Scleroderma Model

At Creative Bioarray, we boast a wealth of experience in scleroderma research. Our team will collaborate closely with you, guiding you through the entire process from selecting the most suitable models, and designing a meticulous study plan, to the final data analysis and reporting. We are committed to providing clients worldwide with the most comprehensive preclinical animal testing services tailored specifically for scleroderma. This includes developing validated animal models of scleroderma and meticulously evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates in rodents, among other services. With our expertise and dedication, you can be assured of obtaining reliable and actionable insights that will propel your scleroderma research forward.

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis (SSc), is an immune-mediated chronic disorder with a systemic involvement characterized by small vessel alterations and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, such as lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and heart. SSc is a devastating and severe disease, burdened with significant morbidity and mortality. When a severe pulmonary or cardiac involvement is present, patients with SSc have a 3-year survival rate of 47–56%. Despite recent advances, however, an effective disease-modifying treatment approved for the treatment of SSc is currently lacking.

The precise etiopathogenesis of SSc remains enigmatic. Similar to numerous other immune-mediated conditions, the prevailing hypothesis suggests that a confluence of predisposing genetic factors and an inciting stimulus or occurrence leads to a breakdown in self-tolerance, resulting in chronic immune system activation. This activation is not promptly modulated by endogenous regulatory cells and checkpoints, leading to unchecked immune response. It is postulated that the microvessel wall serves as the initial locus of this persistent immune-mediated inflammation, triggering alterations that encompass not merely the endothelium, but all layers of the vessel wall. These alterations are followed by myofibroblast activation, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and unchecked tissue fibrosis.

Fig. 1 Simplified scheme showing the main processes involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis

Our Scleroderma Model

• Available Animal
  Mouse
• Modeling Method
  Mice are subcutaneously injected with bleomycin in the central area of the back once a day for several weeks.
• Endpoints
  • Clinical observation
  • Histology analysis (skin and lung): H&E staining, Masson staining, Toluidine blue staining
  • Body weight
  • Skin thickness
  • Hydroxyproline analysis
  • Other customized endpoints: available upon request

Example Data

Fig. 2 17,20S(OH)2pD decreases dermal thickness in BLM model of fibrosis. Left panel: quantification of the dermal thickness; middle panel: H&E stained sections; right panel: Trichrome stained sections.

Quotation and Ordering

Creative Bioarray is committed to sharing our groundbreaking technologies and vast expertise with our esteemed clients, aiming to amplify the significance and impact of their remarkable research efforts. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us at any time or submit an inquiry to us directly.

References

1. Brown Lobbins M L, et al. 17, 20S (OH) 2pD Can Prevent the Development of Skin Fibrosis in the Bleomycin-Induced Scleroderma Mouse Model. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021, 22(16): 8926.
2. Benfaremo, D., et al. Systemic sclerosis: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches. Biomedicines, 2022, 10(1): 163.

For research use only. Not for any other purpose.