With our research we aim to elucidate the pathogenesis in an early phase, for example changes in the Interferon pathway or in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, to possibly intervene in an earlier phase.
In systemic sclerosis we investigate factors that may contribute to fibrosis, especially in the lungs, leading to severe lung complications in patients with SSc.
Prevention and early recognition of diseases has high priority. Focusing on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), some patients with clinical symptoms and autoantibodies suggestive of SLE, do not fullfil the classification criteria for SLE. This state of disease is referred to as incomplete SLE (iSLE), and comprises a very heterogeneous group of patients of which 20 – 57% will eventually develop SLE. At this moment, it is unclear which factors determine this progression.
Ideally, a biomarker or a combination of biomarkers will indicate which patients may progress from iSLE to SLE and thereby help to understand and intervene in the pathogenesis of SLE.
We use the LifeLines cohort to analyse the presence of auto-antibodies, symptoms of SLE and other known risk factors. Thereby, we might be able to predict the development of SLE in a general population.
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Postbus 30.001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands
Visiting address
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Hanzeplein 1
9713 GZ Groningen
