Serum SCUBE1 and SCUBE2 Levels in Children with Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis: An Exploratory Study

SCUBE1 and SCUBE2 are vascular-associated proteins involved in endothelial processes. Although these molecules have been investigated in several vascular and inflammatory disorders, their potential involvement in pediatric immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) has not yet been elucidated. IgAV is the most common systemic vasculitis of childhood, characterized by leukocytoclastic vasculitis and immune complex deposition, yet its biomarker profile remains incompletely understood. We explored the association of SCUBE proteins with inflammatory markers in pediatric IgAV.

Twenty-six children diagnosed with IgAV according to the Ankara 2008 criteria were prospectively included. Serum SCUBE1, SCUBE2, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) levels were measured during both the active and recovery phases of the disease. Findings were compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods.

IL-1 and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in patients during the active phase compared with healthy controls (p = 0.006 and p = 0.01, respectively), supporting their role in acute inflammation. SCUBE1 and SCUBE2 levels did not significantly differ between active and recovery phases. However, SCUBE2 levels were significantly lower in the recovery phase than in controls (p = 0.008), suggesting potential downregulation following acute inflammation.

Our findings indicate that SCUBE2 may be more closely related to late-stage vascular stabilization or tissue repair mechanisms rather than acute inflammatory activity in IgAV. This preliminary finding suggests that SCUBE2 may be associated with post-inflammatory processes; however, further studies are required to clarify its clinical relevance.