Phase angle could be a marker of microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease impacting endothelial cells, leading to fibrosis.
• Endothelial cell integrity is crucial for producing angiogenic factors.
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a role in endothelial function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate phase angle (PhA) alterations in SSc patients.
• To determine the correlation between PhA, VEGF, and digital microvascular damage in SSc.

Main Methods:

• Bioimpedentiometry (BIA) was used to measure PhA in SSc patients and healthy controls.
• VEGF levels were determined in both groups.
• Clinical assessments including disease activity index (DAI) and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NCV) were performed on SSc patients.

Main Results:

• SSc patients exhibited significantly higher VEGF and lower PhA compared to healthy controls.
• A positive correlation was observed between VEGF and PhA in SSc patients.
• Lower PhA values were associated with advanced SSc patterns and the presence of digital ulcers (DUs).

Conclusions:

• Phase angle (PhA) is significantly reduced in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients.
• PhA may serve as a valuable indicator for assessing endothelial and microvascular damage in SSc.
• Evaluating VEGF alongside PhA and digital ulcer status can aid in SSc management.