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Associations between anti-Ro52 antibodies and lung fibrosis in mixed connective tissue disease
Ragnar Gunnarsson1, Fadi El-Hage2, Trond Mogens Aaløkken3
1Rheumatology Unit, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, ragunnar@gmail.com.
Objective:
MCTD is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder defined by the combined presence of serum anti-RNP antibodies and distinct clinical features, including progressive lung fibrosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential impact of anti-SSA (i.e. Ro52 and Ro60) and anti-SSB autoantibodies as markers for disease outcomes in MCTD.
Methods:
Stored serum samples from 113 patients included in the cross-sectional, nationwide Norwegian MCTD cohort were screened for the presence of anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60 and anti-SSB by a commercial line immunoassay. Correlation analyses were carried out with clinical parameters, including quantitative lung fibrosis scores by high-resolution CT. Lung fibrosis was defined by reticular pattern changes according to the Fleischner Society CT criteria for interstitial lung disease.
Results:
Anti-Ro52 antibodies were present in 29%, anti-Ro60 in 19% and anti-SSB in 6% of the MCTD sera. High-resolution CT scoring identified lung fibrosis in 38 of 113 (34%) MCTD patients. Anti-Ro52 antibodies were detected in 50% (19 of 38) of the MCTD patients with lung fibrosis and in 19% (14 of 75) without lung fibrosis (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for the presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies in lung fibrosis was 4.4 (95% CI 1.8, 10.3). Anti-Ro52 antibodies were equally frequent in patients with mild to moderate (eight of 17; 44%) and severe fibrosis (11 of 21; 52%). Anti-Ro52 was not associated with any of the other clinical parameters assessed, nor was anti-Ro60 or anti-SSB.
Conclusion:
Our cross-sectional data suggest that anti-Ro52 antibodies may serve as a potential marker for lung fibrosis in MCTD.
Insights
Anti-Ro52 antibodies may indicate lung fibrosis in patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). This finding could aid in diagnosing and managing this chronic autoimmune disorder and its pulmonary complications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by specific autoantibodies and clinical manifestations, notably progressive lung fibrosis.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for disease outcomes in MCTD is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of anti-SSA autoantibodies (anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60) and anti-SSB autoantibodies as predictive markers for disease outcomes in MCTD patients.
- Specifically, to assess their association with the presence and severity of lung fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study analyzed serum samples from 113 Norwegian MCTD patients.
- Commercial line immunoassay was used to detect anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60, and anti-SSB autoantibodies.
- High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was employed for quantitative assessment of lung fibrosis, defined by specific interstitial lung disease criteria.
Main Results:
- Anti-Ro52 antibodies were detected in 29% of MCTD patients, anti-Ro60 in 19%, and anti-SSB in 6%.
- Lung fibrosis was identified in 34% (38 of 113) of patients.
- Anti-Ro52 antibodies were significantly more prevalent in patients with lung fibrosis (50%) compared to those without (19%) (P < 0.001), showing an odds ratio of 4.4 for lung fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that anti-Ro52 antibodies could serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying lung fibrosis in patients with MCTD.
- No significant association was found between anti-Ro60 or anti-SSB antibodies and lung fibrosis or other clinical parameters.
