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Serum KL-6 in adult patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
Objective:
To determine the serum levels of KL-6, a mucin-like high-molecular-weight glycoprotein, in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) patients.
Methods:
Serum samples from 42 adult PM/DM patients and 38 healthy control subjects were examined using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems.
Results:
The serum levels of KL-6 in the PM/DM patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls. The elevated serum KL-6 levels correlated with the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and decreased percentage diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (%DLco) in the PM/DM patients. The serum KL-6 levels inversely correlated with %DLco and percentage vital capacity. Additionally, the serum KL-6 levels were elevated in five of the seven DM patients with malignant neoplasia.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that the serum KL-6 level might be a useful serum marker for ILD and internal malignancy in PM/DM.
Insights
Serum KL-6 levels are elevated in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) patients, indicating potential as a biomarker for interstitial lung disease (ILD) and malignancy in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) are inflammatory myopathies with potential systemic complications.
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in PM/DM patients.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for PM/DM complications is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of KL-6 in patients diagnosed with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM).
- To assess the correlation of serum KL-6 levels with clinical features and complications in PM/DM.
- To evaluate KL-6 as a potential diagnostic marker for ILD and malignancy in PM/DM.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 42 adult PM/DM patients and 38 healthy controls.
- KL-6 concentrations were measured using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare KL-6 levels between groups and correlate them with clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Serum KL-6 levels were significantly higher in PM/DM patients compared to healthy controls.
- Elevated KL-6 levels correlated with the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and reduced pulmonary function (%DLco, %VC).
- Increased serum KL-6 was observed in dermatomyositis patients with malignant neoplasia.
Conclusions:
- Serum KL-6 may serve as a valuable biomarker for detecting interstitial lung disease (ILD) in PM/DM patients.
- Elevated KL-6 levels could indicate the presence of internal malignancy in individuals with PM/DM.
- Further research is warranted to establish KL-6 as a routine clinical marker for PM/DM complications.