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Circulating collagen metabolites in systemic sclerosis. Differences between limited and diffuse form and relationship
A Scheja1, M Wildt, F A Wollheim
1Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|October 18, 2000
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) shows increased collagen breakdown, indicated by elevated cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of collagen I (ICTP). Higher ICTP levels correlate with disease severity and skin involvement in SSc patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis.
- Collagen metabolism is dysregulated in SSc, but specific markers require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate collagen metabolites in SSc patients.
- To correlate these metabolites with clinical manifestations and disease subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of PIIINP, PINP, PICP, and ICTP were measured in 48 SSc patients and 31 healthy controls.
- Patients were categorized into diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), and suspected SSc groups.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum ICTP levels were observed in SSc patients compared to controls.
- dcSSc patients exhibited higher ICTP than lcSSc patients.
- High ICTP correlated with skin score, acute phase reactants, and reduced pulmonary function. PIIINP was elevated in both SSc subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Increased collagen catabolism is present in SSc, alongside increased synthesis.
- Serum ICTP serves as a marker for collagen catabolism and reflects SSc clinical severity.