Antioxidant effect of Iloprost: current knowledge and therapeutic implications for systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a dysimmune disorder of connective tissue characterized by disregulation of endothelial function and progressive tissue fibrosis. Although many studies have been carried out the pathogenesis of SSc is an issue still elusive. In a pioneer paper Murrel DF suggested oxidative stress (OS) as the keystone linking altered immune tolerance, endothelial injury and pro-fibrotic phenotype of SSc (1). In the last decade, this intriguing hypothesis has been strengthened by several firm evidences obtained at a cellular and molecular level. OS refers to a condition characterized by an imbalance in prooxidants and antioxidants, which results in damage to macromolecules..