Serum adropin level and ENHO gene expression in systemic sclerosis

Adropin, a secreted protein, is encoded by the energy homeostasis associated (ENHO) gene. It has been implicated in the several physiological and pathological processes such as angiogenesis and apoptosis. Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate serum adropin levels and ENHO gene expressions in systemic sclerosis (SSc) characterized by vasculopathy, inflammation, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The study includes 27 patients with SSc, 39 patients with Behçet’s disease (BD), and 20 healthy controls (HC). Serum adropin levels and ENHO gene expressions by peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by ELISA method and by real-time PCR, respectively. The serum adropin levels were higher in the SSc and BD groups than in the HC group (p?=?0.023 and p?<?0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences among the groups in terms of ENHO gene expressions (p _ANOVA?=?0.149). There was no significant difference between the limited and diffuse cutaneous subtypes of SSc in terms of serum adropin level and ENHO gene expression. Moreover, serum adropin level and ENHO gene expression were not associated with the disease activity and severity indexes. ENHO gene expression was correlated with the triglyceride levels in the BD group (r?=??0.426, p?=?0.027). The augmented serum adropin levels may be expected in the chronic inflammatory disease and seem not to be characteristic of only SSc. However, further studies are needed to explain the precise role of adropin in SSc.     

Serum relaxin in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum levels of relaxin (RLX), a hormone with acknowledged antifibrotic activity, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: We performed a pilot study of 50 outpatients with SSc and 50 healthy subjects. Serum RLX was measured using the relaxin ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test. RESULTS: Serum RLX appeared to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with SSc compared to controls. RLX appeared significantly increased (p < 0.001) in male patients compared to male controls, and in female patients compared to female controls. RLX was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in female patients and female controls compared to male patients and male controls. CONCLUSION: In patients with SSc, the increased level of RLX represents a defensive response against the fibrotic process.     

Serum prolidase activity in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a complex systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that targets the vasculature and connective tissue-producing cells and components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The disease is characterized by a hardening of the skin and an increased synthesis of collagen. Prolidase is a specific imidodipeptidase involved in collagen degradation. The aim of this study was to search the serum prolidase activity (SPA) in the two subtypes of systemic sclerosis: diffuse and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. For this purpose, 35 patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (24 diffuse and 11 limited) and 41 healthy control subjects were included in the study. SPA was determined using Myara’s method, which is a modification of Chinard’s method. SPA did not differ between the scleroderma patients and controls (p = 0.467). However, SPA was significantly lower in diffuse form than in both limited form and control subjects (p = 0.021 and p = 0.024, respectively). SPA also did not differ between the limited form and control subjects (p = 0.145). Scleroderma is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and tissue fibrosis due to the reduced collagen degradation. SPA is reduced in scleroderma patients, especially in diffuse form. Circulating autoantibodies, oxidative stress, and decreased physical activity may contribute to this process.     

射血分数保留心力衰竭患者血清半乳糖凝集素-3水平变化及意义

【】 目的 探讨射血分数保留心力衰竭(HFPEF)患者血清半乳糖凝集素-3(gal-3)水平的变化及其与心功能的相关性,为HFPEF的早期诊断及优化治疗提供理论依据。方法 选取2014年5月至2015年4月于我院心内科诊断为HFPEF的患者118例作为HFPEF组,按照美国纽约心脏病协会心功能分级标准分为：心功能Ⅱ级组,40例;心功能Ⅲ级组,49例;心功能Ⅳ级组,29例。同时取40例健康者为对照组。测量各组患者血清gal-3、B型利钠肽(BNP)、肿瘤坏死因子a(TNF-a)水平及左房容积指数(LAVI),并进行比较、分析。结果 HFPEF组患者血清gal-3及LAVI明显高于对照组,且随患者心衰程度的加重,血清gal-3水平及LAVI逐渐升高,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.01);HFPEF患者血清gal-3水平与LAVI水平呈正相关(r=0.742,P＜0.01)。结论 HFPEF患者血清gal-3水平升高,是诊断HFPEF的一个重要生物标志物,可用于临床HFPEF的诊断。     

Serum galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels in benign and malignant nodular thyroid disease

BACKGROUND: Since the histological expression of galectins is increased in thyroid carcinoma, determination of their serum levels may provide useful preoperative information. The goal of this study was to determine if a difference in galectin serum levels could be detected between benign and malignant nodular thyroid diseases. DESIGN: Using validated ELISAs, the concentrations of several galectins were prospectively measured in serum samples from 30 healthy individuals and preoperatively in 90 patients with thyroid disease. Seventy-one patients had multiple thyroid nodules (MTN), 13 patients had a single thyroid nodule (STN), and 6 patients had Graves' disease. Nine of 71 patients with MTN had fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of their nodules and in 7 patients a "benign" diagnosis was made, in 0 patient a "malignant" diagnosis was made, and in 2 patients a "suspicious" diagnosis was made. Six of 13 patients with STN had FNAB of their nodules and in 2 patients a "benign" diagnosis was made, in 3 patients a "malignant" diagnosis was made, and in 1 patient a "suspicious" diagnosis was made. RESULTS: Thyroid disease was associated with higher levels of galectins-1 and -3 compared to normal subjects. Using a threshold value of 3.2 ng/mL as a cut-off point, the measurement of serum galectin-3 separated micro- and macropapillary thyroid carcinoma (PAP_CA) from patients with nonmalignant thyroid disease with 74% specificity, 73% sensitivity, 57% positive predictive value, and 85% negative predictive value. Elevated serum galectin-3 concentrations (>3.2 ng/mL) detected 87% of macropapillary thyroid carcinomas and 67% of micropapillary thyroid carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of galectins-1 and -3 are relatively high in patients with thyroid malignancy but there is considerable overlap in serum galectin-3 concentrations between those with benign and malignant nodular thyroid disease and, to a lesser extent, between those with and without nodular thyroid disease.     

Serum level of galectin-9 in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with lupus nephritis: Relation to clinical characteristics and disease activity

Aim of the workTo assess galectin-9 (Gal-9) level in the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with and without renal involvement and clarify its relation with disease activity.Patients and methods50 SLE patients; 25 with lupus nephritis (LN) and 25 without as well as 25 controls were studied. Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) renal activity score and SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) were determined. Serum Gal-9 was measured in all participants.ResultsGal-9 level was significantly elevated in SLE patients with (16.7; 11.6–33.7 ng/ml) and without (15.9; 11.8–25 ng/ml) compared to controls (3.9; 2.8–5.4 ng/ml) (p < 0.001) but was comparable between the patients groups (p = 0.83). In LN patients, serum Gal-9 and SLICC renal activity score significantly correlated (r = 0.48, p = 0.016). Serum Gal-9 significantly correlated with SLEDAI-2 K in patients with (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) and without (r = 0.95, p < 0.001) LN, with anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-ds-DNA) titers (with r = 0.57, p < 0.001 and without r = 0.79, p < 0.001) and inversely with C3 (with r = -0.44, p = 0.027 and without r = -0.63, p < 0.001) and C4 (with r = -0.47, p = 0.018 and without r = -0.43, p = 0.03). Gal-9 had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96 to distinguish SLE cases from control. However, AUC between LN group and non-nephritic SLE was 0.48. On regression, SLEDAI-2 K was the only significant factor associated with serum Gal-9 (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn SLE patients, significantly raised Gal-9 levels and relation with disease activity were detected indicating its clinical relevance as biomarker of disease activity and its potential value in the disease diagnosis. Its value in discriminating LN from non-nephritic SLE is limited.     

Serum galectin-3 and TGF-beta levels in patients with sarcoidosis

IntroductionSarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease that develops with non-caseified granuloma formation. Galectin-3 is a multifunctional protein operating in biological processes such as fibrosis, angiogenesis, and immune activation.PurposeThis study evaluates the levels of serum galectin-3 and TGF-beta in sarcoidosis patients to determine a possible correlation with clinical findings.Material and methodForty-four biopsy-proven sarcoidosis patients followed in a single centre and 41 age and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. The levels of serum galectin-3 and TGF-beta were evaluated by ELISA method.ResultsAmong the 44 sarcoidosis patients, 13(29.5%) were male and 31(70.5%) were female. The average patient age was 47.4 and the average disease duration was 3.2 years. The level of serum galectin-3 was found to be the same as in the control group and had no significance statistically (p = .977). No correlation was determined between the level of serum galectin-3 and clinical and laboratory findings of sarcoidosis (p > .05). The level of serum TGF-beta was found to be higher in the sarcoidosis patients when compared to that of the control group (p = .005). While a correlation was found between serum TGF-beta and enthesitis, sacroiliitis, and arthralgia (p = .006, p = .034, p = .02), no correlation was determined on the other clinical and laboratory findings (p > .05).ConclusionWhile the level of serum galectin-3 was determined to be normal in sarcoidosis patients, a high level of serum TGF-beta was found. These findings show that TGF-beta may play an important role in sarcoidosis pathogenesis and the formation of granuloma.     

Assessment of plasma endothelin level measurement in systemic sclerosis

PURPOSE: According to current knowledge, endothelin (ET)-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We assessed ET plasma levels in SSc patients according to the clinical presentation and the presence of complications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS: Sixty-three consecutive patients with SSc were included. The control group included 17 healthy patients. ET plasma level was determined for all patients. Pulmonary function test and pulmonary high resolution computed tomography were performed in 44 patients and echocardiography in 51 patients, to screen for PAH, always confirmed by a right heart catheterization. RESULTS: ET plasmatic levels were higher in SSc patients than in healthy group subjects but the difference was not significant (3.72+/-1.13 vs 3.40+/-0.71 pmol/l, p=0.27). ET plasmatic levels were significantly higher in patients with PAH than in patients without PAH (4.28+/-0.65 vs 3.62+/-1.07 pmol/l, p=0.04) and in patients with anticentromere antibodies (3.96+/-1.11 vs 3.19+/-1.12 pmol/l, p=0.03). There was a positive linear correlation between ET plasmatic levels and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (r=0.34, p=0.013). The best cut-off value for ET plasmatic level to discriminate patients affected by PAH was determined by ROC curve method: 4.1 pmol/l (sensibility 85.7%, specificity 66%). CONCLUSION: ET plasmatic levels were higher in SSc patients affected by PAH and patients with anticentromere antibodies. There was a positive linear correlation between ET plasmatic levels and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure. Assessment of ET plasmatic levels for detection and monitoring of pulmonary hypertension during SSc is warranted in larger prospective studies.     

Serum level of KL-6 as a marker of interstitial lung disease in patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE: Serum KL-6 has been found to be elevated in diseases characterized by diffuse interstitial lung involvement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum KL-6 as a marker of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSS). METHODS: Serum concentrations of KL-6 were measured with an immunoassay in 39 serum samples from 12 children with diffuse cutaneous form of JSS (6 patients with and 6 patients without ILD) and from 20 healthy controls comparable for age. In patients sampled serially, the relationship of KL-6 concentrations with the severity of ILD and its response to treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of KL-6 were significantly higher in patients with ILD (1687 +/- 979 IU/ml) than in patients without (345 +/- 95 IU/ml, p < 0.01) and healthy controls (311 +/- 114 IU/ml, p < 0.001). Serum KL-6 concentrations of patients without ILD were not statistically different from those of healthy controls. We found a significant correlation of serum KL-6 concentrations with vital capacity and with diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Analysis of individual patients showed that serum concentrations of KL-6 were correlated with ILD severity and its response to treatment. CONCLUSION: Measurement of serum KL-6 concentration is a useful noninvasive marker of pulmonary fibrosis in children with JSS. Its advantages over conventional methods of ILD assessment, such as pulmonary function test and high-resolution computerized tomography, are that it is easy to quantify and to measure repeatedly and it does not need children's cooperation.     

Serum concentrations of galectin-3 in patients with cardiac syndrome X

Objective: Microvascular dysfunction has been reported in cardiac syndrome X (CSX), even though the underlying mechanisms still remain uncertain. Galectin-3 has been recently recognized as a biomarker of cardiovascular fibrosis and inflammation. We sought to investigate the role of galectin-3 in the CSX. Methods: We studied 115 consecutive CSX patients (mean age 55.43 ± 8.71 years, 36 men) and 74 healthy controls (mean age 54.53 ± 10.07 years, 31 men). Serum concentrations of galectin-3 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured on the blood samples. Results: Galectin-3 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with CSX compared to controls (0.90 ng/ml; IQR, 0.40–1.70 ng/ml vs 0.40 ng/ml; IQR, 0.36–0.44 ng/ml, p < 0.0001). Although, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) were significantly higher among patients with CSX, following adjustment for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and family history of CAD, serum galectin-3 concentrations were still found significantly increased in patients with CSX. Galectin-3 concentrations correlated positively with hs-CRP (r = 0.16, p = 0.03). In addition, concentrations of galectin-3, hs-CRP, fasting glucose, uric acid and family history of CAD were determined as independent predictors of the CSX. Conclusion: It was found that galectin-3 serum concentrations are higher in patients with CSX compared to healthy controls. Further studies on larger population are needed to confirm the relation between the fibrosis and the CSX, as well as to explore the potential role of galectin-3 in the CSX.     

A decreased serum leptin level in patients with systemic sclerosis

Serum leptin levels were determined in 31 women with systemic sclerosis and 24 age-matched healthy controls. Both groups were divided into premenopausal and postmenopausal subgroups. A decreased serum leptin was found in the patients with systemic sclerosis. The premenopausal patients and controls had higher serum leptin than those in the postmenopausal subgroups. Serum leptin correlated with body mass index in the patients with systemic sclerosis. Received: 2 June 2000 / Accepted: 15 March 2001     

Serum levels of soluble CD21 in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic disorder that typically results in fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organ systems. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagens and fibronectins, and aberrant immune activation might be involved in the pathogenesis. The soluble cluster of differentiation 21 (sCD21) represents the extracellular portion of the CD21 glycoprotein that is released by shedding from the cell surfaces into plasma. sCD21 binds complement fragments and activates monocytes through binding to membrane CD23. The present study was undertaken to investigate the serum levels of sCD21 in patients with SSc. Serum sCD21 levels were reduced with age both in patients with SSc and normal controls. Serum sCD21 levels in patients with SSc were significantly decreased compared to those in control subjects. When we divided patients with SSc into limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), patients with lcSSc had lower levels of serum sCD21 than those with dcSSc. Moreover, the prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis in the patients with dcSSc inversely correlated with serum sCD21 levels. Our finding may support the notion that B-cell activation is involved in the mechanism for pulmonary fibrosis and skin sclerosis.     

Serum netrin-1 levels in systemic sclerosis patients with capillary abnormalities

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, potentially destructive systemic autoimmune disease characterized by organ fibrosis and vasculopathy. Netrin-1 is associated with angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis.Aim of the workTo assess the level of serum netrin-1 in SSc patients with capillary abnormalities and to evaluate its relation to disease manifestations.Patients and methodsThis study investigated the relationship between netrin-1 and fibrosis in 56 SSc patients and 58 matched control. The modified Rodnan skin score (mRss) was used to assess skin thickness. Serum netrin-1 level was quantitatively measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe study included 56 patients; 53 females and 3 males (F:M 17.7:1) with a mean age of 48·1 ± 13·6 years and disease duration of 13.01 ± 8·7 years. They were 43 (76.7 %) diffuse and 13 (23.3 %) limited subtypes. The median mRss was 6.58 ± 2.2. Raynaud’s disease was present in 50 % and interstitial lung disease in 57.1 %. The median netrin-1 level was significantly higher in SSc patients (268·8 pg/mL; 82·8-1006·6 pg/mL) than in the controls (108·6 pg/mL;21·02-351·5 pg/mL, p < 0·0001). There was no significant difference in the serum netrin-1 levels in SSc patients with and without Raynaud’s disease (p = 0.55), interstitial lung disease (p = 0.18), anti-Scl70 positive antibodies (p = 0·78), and anti-centromere antibody (p = 0·493). Netrin-1 was significantly related to SSc (OR = 1·02, 95 %CI: 1·01 ? 1·03, p < 0·0001). At a cut-off value 126·3 pg/mL, netrin-1 would diagnose SSc (sensitivity 60·3%, specificity 94·6%, 95 %CI: 0·83 ? 0·95, p < 0·0001).ConclusionSSc patients had significantly high levels of serum netrin-1 with a potential role in the pathophysiology of the disease.     

Serum levels of soluble CD163 in patients with systemic sclerosis

Macrophages may play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and CD163-positive M2 macrophages are potentially important source for fibrosis-inducing cytokines. However, no link between M2 macrophages and SSc has been established. The aim is to evaluate the possibility that serum levels of soluble CD163 (sCD163) can be a useful marker for SSc, reflecting M2 activation of macrophages in this disease. Serum sCD163 levels of 43 patients with SSc, 10 patients with scleroderma spectrum disorder (SSD), and 12 healthy controls were measured with specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. SSc patients had significantly higher serum sCD163 levels than healthy controls. The sCD163 levels in SSD patients were higher than healthy controls and lower than SSc patients. Significantly higher right ventricular systolic pressure and lower % DLco levels, and shorter duration of disease were seen in SSc patients with elevated serum sCD163 levels than those with normal levels. These results suggest that sCD163 levels may be increased in proportion to the progression of this disease, indicating the involvement of CD163 in the pathogenesis of SSc. Furthermore, serum sCD163 levels may be a marker of pulmonary hypertension at the early stage in patients with SSc.     

Serum metabolite differences detected by HILIC UHPLC-Q-TOF MS in systemic sclerosis

Clinical Rheumatology - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by extensive fibrosis and vascular damage. Vasculopathy, activation of the immune system, and diffuse...     

Serum adipokines levels in patients with systemic sclerosis: A meta-analysis

Background: Systemic sclerosis is an chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Adipokine has been reported to play an important role in modulating immune responses. Recent studies suggest that adipokine also plays some roles in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, published data regarding the relationship between plasma/serum adipokine levels and SSc are contradictory. The aim of this study was at performing a meta-analysis to derive a more accurate estimation and further investigate the association of plasma/serum leptin and adiponectin levels with SSc patients.

Methods: PubMed, and Web of Science databases (up to Feb 20, 2016) were used to obtain all relative published literatures. The study quality was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by random-effect model analysis.

Results: A total of fourteen studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. Among them, six of which were studied for the serum adiponectin levels in SSc patients, six of which were studied for the serum leptin levels in SSc patients, and two of them were studied both for serum adiponectin levels and serum leptin levels in SSc patients. The meta-analysis results showed that the serum adiponectin levels in SSc patients were significantly lower than that in normal controls (SMD = ?0.608?ng/ml, 95% CI = ?1.029 to ?0.186, p?=?0.005). However, there were no significant differences in serum leptin levels between SSc patients and healthy controls (SMD = ?0.990?ng/ml, 95% CI = ?2.340 to 0.359, p?=?0.150). The subgroup analysis showed that Asia SSc patients with age less than 50 years old had lower plasma/serum adiponectin levels when compared with controls.

Conclusion: The serum adiponectin levels, but not serum leptin levels, in SSc patients were significantly lower than that in normal controls.