H. Ihn et al., Increased serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin in patients with systemic sclerosis, BR J RHEUM, 37(11), 1998, pp. 1188-1192
Objective. To determine the serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion
molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) in patients with
systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Methods. Serum samples from 80 patients with SSc and 20 healthy control sub
jects were examined by a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results. The serum levels of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were significantly hig
her in the patients with SSc than in the healthy controls. The serum levels
of sVCAM-1 were correlated with the presence of pulmonary fibrosis, joint
involvement and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels. The serum l
evels of sE-selectin were correlated with the presence of pulmonary fibrosi
s.
Conclusion. These results suggest that endothelial activation is involved i
n the development of this disease.