Background. Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, characterized by vasculopathy, inflammation, fibrosis and production of autoantibodies. Objective of this study is to determine association of extractable nuclear antibodies and markers of vascular damage (soluble adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and inflammation (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) in systemic sclerosis.
Material and methods. 40 patients (37 females and 3 male, age 54±9 years) were included it the study. Concentration of extractable nuclear antibodies was assesed and their subtypes were extracted. Concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, C-reactive protein were determined and value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate was evaluated.
Results. All patients were posistive for extractable nuclear antibodies, with domination of Anti-CENP B (40%), anti-Scl-70 (38%) and anti-Ro-52 (38%) antibodtes. Statistically significant correlations were found between extractable nuclear antibodies and VCAM-1 (rs=0.463; p<0.05) and C-reactive protein (rs=0.319; p<0.05) concentrations. Concentrations of ICAM-1 were signiftcantly lower in patients, who had anti-CENP B antibodies (p<0.05).
Conlusions. Significant correlations between extractable nuclear antibodies and VCAM-1 and C-reactive protein suggest, that extractable nuclear antibodies might be associated with vasculopathy and inflammation.
