Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Serum levels of soluble CD163 in patients with systemic sclerosis
Wakana Nakayama1, Masatoshi Jinnin, Katsunari Makino
1Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan.
Abstract:
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.
Insights
Serum soluble CD163 (sCD163) levels are elevated in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may indicate disease progression and early pulmonary hypertension. This suggests sCD163 as a potential biomarker for SSc.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Macrophages, particularly M2 macrophages, are implicated in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis due to their role in producing fibrosis-inducing cytokines.
- A direct link between M2 macrophage activation and SSc has not been previously established.
- Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is a marker of M2 macrophage activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum sCD163 levels as a potential biomarker for systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To explore the association between sCD163 levels and disease characteristics, including pulmonary hypertension, in SSc patients.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure serum sCD163 levels.
- The study included 43 patients with SSc, 10 with scleroderma spectrum disorder (SSD), and 12 healthy controls.
- Clinical data, including right ventricular systolic pressure and % DLco, were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Serum sCD163 levels were significantly higher in SSc patients compared to healthy controls.
- Patients with SSD showed intermediate sCD163 levels between healthy controls and SSc patients.
- Elevated sCD163 levels in SSc patients correlated with higher right ventricular systolic pressure, lower % DLco, and shorter disease duration.
Conclusions:
- Serum sCD163 levels are elevated in systemic sclerosis and may reflect M2 macrophage activation.
- sCD163 shows potential as a biomarker for SSc, possibly indicating disease progression.
- Elevated sCD163 may serve as an early marker for pulmonary hypertension in SSc patients.