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Soluble L-selectin in the connective tissue diseases
A D Blann1, P A Sanders, A Herrick
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital of South Manchester.
British Journal of Haematology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Soluble L-selectin levels were lower in patients with systemic sclerosis and vasculitis compared to healthy controls. This finding suggests potential clinical relevance in understanding disease severity in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Leucocyte adhesion molecules play a role in inflammatory processes.
- L-selectin is involved in leucocyte trafficking and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma levels of soluble L-selectin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis, and vasculitis.
- To compare these levels with those in age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure plasma L-selectin levels.
- The study included 41 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 with ankylosing spondylitis, 18 with systemic sclerosis, 27 with vasculitis, and 42 controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with systemic sclerosis and vasculitis exhibited significantly lower plasma levels of soluble L-selectin compared to controls.
- Specific levels were 797 +/- 302 ng/ml for systemic sclerosis and 941 +/- 329 ng/ml for vasculitis, versus 1244 +/- 269 ng/ml for controls.
- The underlying causes for these low levels remain unclear, possibly involving reduced leucocyte shedding or increased binding to cell membrane ligands.
Conclusions:
- Reduced plasma soluble L-selectin levels are associated with systemic sclerosis and vasculitis.
- An inverse relationship between soluble L-selectin and disease severity may exist, suggesting potential clinical implications.