Role of soluble E-, P-and L-selectins in the ETIO-pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis

Abstract EN

Materials & Methods: This study was carried out on 20 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients (17 females and 3 males).

Their ages ranged from 19 to 56 years (mean ± SD 33.9 ± 9.1 years).

Ten healthy volunteers who were age and sex match with the patients were also studied as a control group.

All subjects were assessed clinically, radiologically (plain X-rays to affected joints and lungs) and laboratory investigations including serum levels of E-P- and L-selectins which were measured using ELISA technique.

Results: Serum levels of E- and P selectins were significantly high in SSc patients than control (p < 0.05), while, there was no significant difference between SSc patients and control regarding serum level of L-selectin.

It was also, found that serum level of P-selectin was significantly higher in diffuse SSc patients than those with limited SSc patients.

In our results, there was also, a significant correlation between serum level of E-selectin and presence of pulmonary affection, and a significant correlation between serum level of L- selectin and presence of Raynaud’s phenomon (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The significantly high serum levels of E- and P-selectins in SSc patients raise the possibility that these adhesion molecules may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of this disease.