Juvenile dermatomyositis calcifications selectively displayed markers of bone formation

To determine the presence of small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) and bone components in juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) pathologic calcifications.

Calcifications were removed from 4 girls with juvenile DM symptoms for mean +/- SD 36.9 +/- 48.3 months and were stained for SIBLING proteins: full-length osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), dentin phosphoprotein (DPP), and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE); bone markers: osteocalcin (OC), core-binding factor alpha 1 (CBFalpha1), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) for osteoblasts; tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for osteoclasts; and the mineral regulators osteonectin (ON) and matrix Gla protein (MGP). The deposit center, periphery, adjacent connective tissue, and vascular endothelial cells were examined.

Alizarin red stained calcified deposits that did not localize with collagen, like bone, under polarized light. Hematoxylin and eosin stain revealed a paucity of connective tissue and absence of bone-like structures. The deposits, connective tissue, and vascular endothelial cells were positive for BSP, DPP, DMP1, and AP; MEPE was not detected. OC, ON, and MGP were present in the deposits and vascular endothelial cells; OPN and CBFalpha1 were present in deposits and connective tissue. TRAP-positive osteoclasts were localized to the calcification periphery.

The disorganized juvenile DM calcifications differ in structure, composition, and protein content from bone, suggesting that they may not form through an osteogenic pathway. Osteoclasts at the deposit surface represent an attempt to initiate its resolution.