SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR IN COLLAGEN DISEASES

Background: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a cytoplasmic polyp eptide growth regulator that induces endothelial cell and fibroblast p roliferation, is produced by endothelial cells and skeletal muscle. Ob jective: We hypothesized that this factor is involved in fibrotic chan ges in muscle and skin in collagen diseases. Methods: The serum level of bFGF was measured in 74 patients with systemic sclerosis, 12 with s ystemic lupus erythematosus, 33 with dermatomyositis, 13 with Raynaud' s disease, and 20 control subjects. Results: bFGF was undetectable in the serum of normal persons, but detectable levels were found in 31 of 74 patients with systemic sclerosis and 7 of 33 patients with dermato myositis. Elevated serum bFGF level was correlated with an elevated pl asma endothelin level and anticentromere antibody in patients with sys temic sclerosis. An elevated serum bFGF level correlated with lung fib rosis and an elevated creatine kinase level in the patients with derma tomyositis. Conclusion: Measurement of the serum bFGF level may be use ful to detect vascular damage in patients with systemic sclerosis and muscule fibrosis in patients with dermatomyositis.