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Elevated plasma endothelin levels in systemic sclerosis
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Increased endothelin and thrombomodulin levels in systemic sclerosis patients suggest microvascular damage. These markers were elevated in systemic sclerosis but not in Raynaud's disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Rheumatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide from endothelial cells.
- Thrombomodulin is an anticoagulant on endothelial cells, acting as a thrombin receptor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma endothelin and thrombomodulin levels in patients with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's disease.
- To investigate the correlation between endothelin and thrombomodulin in systemic sclerosis.
- To differentiate marker levels between diffuse and limited systemic sclerosis subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Plasma levels of endothelin and thrombomodulin were measured.
- Thrombomodulin to creatinine ratio was calculated.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare patient groups and assess correlations.
Main Results:
- Systemic sclerosis patients showed significantly increased plasma endothelin and thrombomodulin to creatinine ratio compared to controls.
- A positive correlation was found between endothelin and thrombomodulin levels (r = 0.615, P = 0.004).
- Elevated endothelin levels were more pronounced in diffuse systemic sclerosis than limited systemic sclerosis. No significant increase in endothelin was observed in Raynaud's disease.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma endothelin and thrombomodulin may indicate microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis.
- These markers show potential as biomarkers for systemic sclerosis, particularly for assessing vascular involvement.