Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics for Rheumatic Diseases

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 480

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Interests: rheumatic diseases; autoimmune; T cells; dendritic cells; macrophages

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rheumatic diseases, encompassing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, and spondyloarthropathies, represent a diverse group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation, pain, and impaired joint or systemic function. Despite advances in understanding their complex etiology, significant challenges remain in unraveling disease mechanisms, improving diagnostic accuracy, and developing targeted therapies. This Special Issue seeks contributions that explore the latest breakthroughs in the ​pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, including genetic, epigenetic, immunological, and environmental factors driving disease onset and progression. Submissions addressing innovative ​diagnostic tools, such as novel biomarkers, imaging modalities, or machine learning approaches to enhance early detection and personalized care, are strongly encouraged. Additionally, we welcome studies on ​therapeutic advancements, from repurposed drugs and biologics to emerging strategies such as gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and precision immunomodulation.

This Special Issue aims to bridge translational and clinical research, fostering dialogue between basic scientists, clinicians, and industry experts. We encourage the submission original research articles, reviews, case reports, and perspectives that highlight interdisciplinary collaborations, patient-centered outcomes, and novel methodologies. By compiling cutting-edge insights, this Special Issue will serve as a platform to accelerate the development of transformative solutions for patients worldwide.

We welcome you to submit your manuscript to contribute to this pivotal collection advancing the fight against rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Jixin Zhong
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • rheumatic diseases
  • pathogenesis
  • autoimmunity
  • biomarkers
  • precision medicine
  • therapeutics
  • disease management
  • immunology
  • clinical diagnostics
  • treatment strategies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 5885 KiB  
Article
Route of Application and Dose Evaluation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells for the Treatment of Sialadenitis Caused by Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Preclinical Study
by Zhihao Du, Lifang Feng, Yu Zhang, Xin Peng, Shan Zhang, Rui Zhao, Jia Lei, Xiaotong Li, Guangyan Yu and Chong Ding
Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051068 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 34
Abstract
Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by sicca syndrome and/or systemic manifestations. In this study, non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were used as an animal model for studying SS, to evaluate the optimal administration route and dose range of [...] Read more.
Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by sicca syndrome and/or systemic manifestations. In this study, non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were used as an animal model for studying SS, to evaluate the optimal administration route and dose range of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in the treatment of sialadenitis caused by SS. Methods: Different doses of DPSCs were transplanted into the submandibular glands (SMGs) of 14-week-old NOD mice through two different methods: injection or retrograde perfusion through the catheter orifice into the SMG. At 21 weeks of age, the saliva flow rate (SFR), ectopic lymphocytes, and CD4+ T-cell infiltration were measured. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the glandular tissues were also quantitatively detected. Results: Compared with untreated and PBS-injected controls, different-dose groups of the two administration methods showed an increased saliva flow rate of NOD mice to varying degrees, reduced infiltration of lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells in the SMG, and decreased IFN-γ/TNF-α levels. Finally, we compared these two administration routes and found that the perfusion of 2 × 105 DPSCs presents good therapeutic effects. Conclusions: DPSC perfusion through the catheter orifice is a simple and effective treatment method, which is worthy of further investigation through clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics for Rheumatic Diseases)
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