Serum Levels of Galectin-3: Possible Association with Fibrosis, Aberrant Angiogenesis, and Immune Activation in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
TAKASHI TANIGUCHI ◽  
YOSHIHIDE ASANO ◽  
KANAME AKAMATA ◽  
SHINJI NODA ◽  
YURI MASUI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Immune Activation ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Digital Ulcers ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Ventricular Systolic Pressure ◽  
Multifunctional Protein ◽  
Galectin 3

Objective.Galectin-3 is a multifunctional protein implicated in a variety of biological processes including fibrosis, angiogenesis, and immune activation, all of which are associated with the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the clinical significance of serum galectin-3 levels in SSc.Methods.Serum galectin-3 levels were determined by a specific ELISA in 58 patients with SSc and 19 healthy controls.Results.Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly lower in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) than in controls (3.29 ± 3.27 ng/ml vs 4.91 ± 2.67 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.05), while being comparable between limited cutaneous SSc (3.70 ± 2.39 ng/ml) and healthy controls. In dcSSc, serum galectin-3 levels significantly correlated with total skin score (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly decreased in early dcSSc (disease duration < 1 year; 1.64 ± 1.74 ng/ml; p < 0.05), but not in mid-stage dcSSc (1 to 6 years; 3.22 ± 3.16 ng/ml) or late-stage dcSSc (> 6 years; 4.86 ± 4.10 ng/ml), compared with controls. Serum galectin-3 levels were higher in SSc patients with both digital ulcers (DU) and elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) than in those without each symptom (DU: 5.44 ± 3.74 ng/ml vs 2.99 ± 2.36 ng/ml, p < 0.05; elevated RVSP: 4.44 ± 3.14 ng/ml vs 2.82 ± 2.64 ng/ml, p < 0.05).Conclusion.Galectin-3 may be related to the developmental process of skin sclerosis in dcSSc and of DU and pulmonary vascular involvements in total SSc.

scholarly journals Reassessing the Role of the Active TGF-β1 as a Biomarker in Systemic Sclerosis: Association of Serum Levels with Clinical Manifestations

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andréa Tavares Dantas ◽  
Sayonara Maria Calado Gonçalves ◽  
Anderson Rodrigues de Almeida ◽  
Rafaela Silva Guimarães Gonçalves ◽  
Maria Clara Pinheiro Duarte Sampaio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Vascular Involvement ◽  
Digital Ulcers ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Pbmc Culture ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Skin Biopsies

Objective. To determine active TGF-β1 (aTGF-β1) levels in serum, skin, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatants and to understand their associations with clinical parameters in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.Methods. We evaluated serum samples from 56 SSc patients and 24 healthy controls (HC). In 20 SSc patients, we quantified spontaneous or anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated production of aTGF-β1 by PBMC. The aTGF-β1 levels were measured by ELISA. Skin biopsies were obtained from 13 SSc patients and six HC, and TGFB1 expression was analyzed by RT-PCR.Results. TGF-β1 serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients than in HC (p< 0.0001). Patients with increased TGF-β1 serum levels were more likely to have diffuse subset (p= 0.02), digital ulcers (p= 0.02), lung fibrosis (p< 0.0001), positive antitopoisomerase I (p= 0.03), and higher modified Rodnan score (p= 0.046). Most of our culture supernatant samples had undetectable levels of TGF-β1. No significant difference in TGFB1 expression was observed in the SSc skin compared with HC skin.Conclusion. Raised active TGF-β1 serum levels and their association with clinical manifestations in scleroderma patients suggest that this cytokine could be a marker of fibrotic and vascular involvement in SSc.

scholarly journals AB0450 PERIPHERAL MACROVASCULAR INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AS COMPARED WITH HEALTHY CONTROLS: A SMALL COHORT STUDY BY COLOR AND SPECTRAL DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1252.2-1252
Author(s):  
R. D’alessandro ◽  
E. Garcia Gonzales ◽  
P. Falsetti ◽  
C. Baldi ◽  
F. Bellisai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Doppler Ultrasonography ◽  
Power Doppler ◽  
Ulnar Artery ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Power Doppler Ultrasonography ◽  
Digital Ulcers ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
History Of

Background:Together with autoimmune-inflammation and fibrosis, microvasculopathy is a hallmark of SSc. However, also macrovascular changes may occur including peripheral proliferative vasculopathy. Whether this changes may represent a specific SSc marker with a predictive value remains a matter of debate.[1,2,3]Objectives:To study peripheral macrovascular involvement by color doppler ultrasound (CDUS) with spectral wave analysis (SWA) in a cohort of 40 SSc patients as compared to healthy controls. To further analyze any differences among the SSc population.Methods:Forty SSc patients and 36 healthy controls were examined by CDUS with SWA of both hands. Macrovascular involvement was assessed by measuring the resistivity index (RI) of distal ulnar and radial arteries. Examinations were performed with an Esaote MyLab Twice machine equipped with a linear 10-22 MHz probe. Ultrasound examination was carried out by two independent rheumatologists blinded to clinical conditions of the patients. Statistical analysis was performed by using MaxStat software.Results:The RI index resulted increased in the SSc cohort as compared with healthy controls (left ulnar RI 0.977 vs 0.715; right ulnar RI 0.996 vs 0.699; left radial RI 0.988 vs 0.706; right radial RI 0.999 vs 0.688; p<0.001). SSc patients with an increased RI in one artery were more probable to have an increased RI in the other vessels too (r 2 = 0.35; p<0.01). In addition, 8 out of 40 SSc patients presented left ulnar artery occlusion (UAO) and 7 out of 40 SSc patients presented right UAO, of which 6 presented bilateral UAO. Awaiting to enlarge the cohort for further analysis, descriptive data regarding increased RI at CDUS/SWA and clinical features, including years from onset of the disease, subtype of SSc, mRSS, history of digital ulcers, interstitial lung disease and PAH are described in Table 1.Conclusion:Peripheral macrovascular involvement was observed in SSc patients as compared with healthy controls. Further studies will determine whether this feature may have specificity for diagnosis/prognosis in SSc.References:[1]Lescoat A, Yelnik CM, Coiffier G et al. Ulnar Artery Occlusion and Severity Markers of Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019;71:983-990.[2]Lescoat A, Coiffier G, Rouil A et al. Vascular Evaluation of the Hand by Power Doppler Ultrasonography and New Predictive Markers of Ischemic Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis: Results of a Prospective Pilot Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69:543-551.[3]Schioppo T, Orenti A, Boracchi P, De Lucia O, Murgo A, Ingegnoli F. Evidence of macro- and micro-angiopathy in scleroderma: An integrated approach combining 22-MHz power Doppler ultrasonography and video-capillaroscopy. Microvasc Res. 2019;122:125-130.Table 1.Main clinical features of the SSc cohort (n=40) studied by CDUS for macrovascular involvement.SSc cohort (n = 40)Years from onsetrange (35 y – 0 y)mean = 10.5 yAutoantibodiesACA 13/40Anti-TopoI 14/40Other 13/40mRSSrange (0 -30)mean = 3ILD17/40PAH7/40Capillaroscopy patternEarly 10/40Active 11/40Late 6/40History of digital ulcers16/40Left ulnar IR0.977Left radial IR0.988Right ulnar IR0.996Right radial IR0.999Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

Serotonin transporter is not required for the development of severe pulmonary hypertension in the Sugen hypoxia rat model

2015 ◽  
Vol 309 (10) ◽  
pp. L1164-L1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michiel Alexander de Raaf ◽  
Yvet Kroeze ◽  
Anthonieke Middelman ◽  
Frances S. de Man ◽  
Helma de Jong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Serotonin Transporter ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Ventricular Systolic Pressure ◽  
Serotonin System ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

Increased serotonin serum levels have been proposed to play a key role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by regulating vessel tone and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. An intact serotonin system, which critically depends on a normal function of the serotonin transporter (SERT), is required for the development of experimental pulmonary hypertension in rodents exposed to hypoxia or monocrotaline. While these animal models resemble human PAH only with respect to vascular media remodeling, we hypothesized that SERT is likewise required for the presence of lumen-obliterating intima remodeling, a hallmark of human PAH reproduced in the Sugen hypoxia (SuHx) rat model of severe angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, SERT wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) rats were exposed to the SuHx protocol. SERT KO rats, while completely lacking SERT, were hemodynamically indistinguishable from WT rats. After exposure to SuHx, similar degrees of severe angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy developed in WT and KO rats (right ventricular systolic pressure 60 vs. 55 mmHg, intima thickness 38 vs. 30%, respectively). In conclusion, despite its implicated importance in PAH, SERT does not play an essential role in the pathogenesis of severe angioobliterative pulmonary hypertension in rats exposed to SuHx.

scholarly journals Female sexual dysfunction in systemic sclerosis: The role of endothelial growth factor and endostatin

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonietta Gigante ◽  
Luca Navarini ◽  
Domenico Margiotta ◽  
Biagio Barbano ◽  
Antonella Afeltra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Resistive Index ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Introduction: Since female sexual dysfunction in systemic sclerosis women is multifactorial, we can assume that vascular damage may play a role in pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clitoral blood flow, by Echo color Doppler, and to correlate it whit serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin. Methods: A total of 15 systemic sclerosis women and 10 healthy controls matched for sex and age were enrolled in this study. Serum VEGF165 and endostatin levels were determined in systemic sclerosis patients by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Clitoral blood flow was measured by Doppler indices of clitoral artery: pulsatile index, resistive index, and systolic/diastolic ratio were measured. Sexual dysfunction was assessed by Female Sexual Function Index. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor (pg/mL) and endostatin (ng/mL) median values were significantly higher in systemic sclerosis women than healthy controls. Resistive index and systolic/diastolic ratio median values were significantly higher in systemic sclerosis women than healthy controls. Negative correlation exists between serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and resistive index (r = −0.55, p < 0.05). Positive correlation was observed between serum levels of endostatin and resistive index (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) and systolic/diastolic ratio (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Discussion: We can suppose that clitoral blood flow in systemic sclerosis women is reduced not only for macro- and microvascular damage but also for impaired angiogenesis.

scholarly journals Clinical Significance of Serum Galectin-9 and Soluble CD155 Levels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mami Chihara ◽  
Miki Kurita ◽  
Yuki Yoshihara ◽  
Akihiko Asahina ◽  
Koichi Yanaba
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Sedimentation Rate ◽  
Immune Activation ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Organ Involvement ◽  
Erythrocyte Sedimentation ◽  
Domain 3

Signaling through coinhibitory receptors downregulates the immune response to prevent excessive immune activation and maintain optimal immunity and tolerance. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of the soluble forms of coinhibitory receptors and their ligands, namely, galectin-9 (the ligand of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3) and CD155 (the ligand of T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain), and their association with clinical features in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The serum levels of galectin-9 and soluble sCD155 were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in patients with SSc, and the results were evaluated with respect to clinical features. Patients with SSc exhibited raised serum levels of galectin-9, but not sCD155. Serum galectin-9 levels were raised not only in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc but also in patients with limited cutaneous SSc. Furthermore, serum galectin-9 levels correlated positively with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In addition, increased serum galectin-9 levels tended to be associated with higher mortality and serious organ involvement. These results suggest that galectin-9, but not CD155, may be involved in the pathogenesis of SSc. In addition, the measurement of serum galectin-9 levels could be used to predict serious organ involvement and high mortality in patients with SSc.

scholarly journals Circulating Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-4 (TIMP-4) in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Elevated Pulmonary Arterial Pressure

2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gialafos J. Elias ◽  
Moyssakis Ioannis ◽  
Psaltopoulou Theodora ◽  
Papadopoulos P. Dimitrios ◽  
Perea Despoina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Lung Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Skin Sclerosis ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

Decreased levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or excess levels of their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) may contribute to dysregulation of extracellular matrix turnover in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In a cross-sectional study of 106 SSc patients, we measured serum levels of TIMP-4 which is preferentially expressed in cardiovascular structures and searched for correlations with simultaneously performed echocardiography measurements of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), myocardial performance, and pulmonary function tests. TIMP-4, but not MMP-9, levels were significantly raised in patients with SSc than controls. However, in the subgroup of patients with PASP measurements lower to 40 mmHg (n=69), TIMP-4 levels were comparable to controls irrespective of the presence of diffuse or limited skin involvement, or lung fibrosis. Individual PASP measurements suggestive of pulmonary hypertension were associated with increased TIMP-4 serum levels (P=.03), independently of age, extent of skin sclerosis, or lung fibrosis, suggesting a cardiopulmonary vasculature-specific role of TIMP-4 activation in SSc.

scholarly journals Galectin-3, osteopontin and successful aging

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Sanchis-Gomar ◽  
Alejandro Santos-Lozano ◽  
Helios Pareja-Galeano ◽  
Nuria Garatachea ◽  
Rafael Alis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Successful Aging ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Predictor Variable ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Galectin 3 ◽  
Medical Interest ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

AbstractBackground:Individuals who reach exceptional longevity (100+ years of age) free of common chronic age diseases (i.e. ‘dodgers’) arguably represent the paradigm of successful aging in humans. As such, identification of potential biomarkers associated with this phenomenon is of medical interest.Methods:We measured serum levels of galectin-3 and osteopontin, both of which have been shown to be linked with major chronic or aging-related disorders in younger populations, in centenarian ‘dodgers’ (n=81; 40 men; 100–104 years) and healthy controls (n=41; 24 men, 70–80 years).Results:Both biomarkers showed significantly lower values (p<0.001) in the former (galectin-3: 2.4±1.7 vs. 4.8±2.8 ng/mL; osteopontin: 38.1±27.7 vs. 72.6±33.1 μg/mL). Logistic regression analysis identified the combination of these two biomarkers as a significant predictor variable associated with successful aging regardless of sex (p<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) classified the ability of galectin-3 and osteopontin to predict the likelihood of successful aging as ‘fair’ (AUC=0.75) and ‘good’ (AUC=0.80), respectively. Particularly, the combination of the two biomarkers showed good discriminatory power for successful aging (AUC=0.86), with sensitivity=83% and specificity=74%.Conclusions:Lower levels of both galectin-3 and osteopontin are associated with successful aging, representing potential biomarkers of this condition. Our cross-sectional data must be however approached with caution. Further research is necessary to replicate the present preliminary results in other cohorts and to identify the potential use of galectin-3 and osteopontin as potential targets (or at least predictors) in future personalized anti-aging therapies.

scholarly journals Functionally Active Antibodies to the Angiotensin II Type 1-Receptor Measured by a Luminometric Bioassay Do Not Correlate With Clinical Manifestations in Systemic Sclerosis: A Comparison With Antibodies to Vascular Receptors and Topoisomerase I Detected by ELISA

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Bankamp ◽  
Beate Preuß ◽  
Ann-Christin Pecher ◽  
Nicola Beucke ◽  
Jörg Henes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Topoisomerase I ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Digital Ulcers ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Organ Manifestations

Objectives1) To detect functionally active antibodies(abs) to the angiotensin II type-1-receptor (AT1R) by a novel luminometric assay. 2) To assess their prevalence in systemic sclerosis (SSc), other collagen disorders, as well as in further chronic inflammatory disorders including autoimmune, toxic and chronic viral diseases. 3) To compare these abs with anti-AT1R antibodies by ELISA as well as with antibodies to endothelin-type-A receptors (ETA1) and to topoisomerase I (topo-I) with respect to their specificity and clinical relevance.MethodsSera from 98 SSc-patients, 110 patients with other chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders, 97 patients with autoimmune liver diseases, 57 patients with toxic or chronic viral liver diseases and 36 healthy controls were analyzed. A luminometric bioassay was established with Huh-7-cells constitutively expressing the AT1R. Patients’ sera were also tested by commercially available ELISA for anti-AT1R, -ETA1- and by an in-house ELISA for anti–topo-I-abs.ResultsFifty-two percent of the SSc-patients had functionally active anti-AT1R-abs with stimulatory (34%) or inhibitory capacity (18%). They were present also in up to 59% of patients with other rheumatic diseases but only 22% of healthy individuals (sensitivity 52%, specificity 53%). The functionally active antibodies detected by the luminometric assay did not correlate with anti-AT1R-, -ETA1- or -topo-I-abs measured by ELISA, but there was a strong correlation between anti-topo-I-, AT1R-, and -ETA1-ab reactivity measured by ELISA. Sensitivities of 55%, 28% and 47% and specificities of 66%, 87%, and 99% were calculated for these anti-AT1R-, -ETA1-, and anti-topo-I-abs, respectively. Functionally active abs did not correlate with disease severity or any organ manifestation. In contrast, abs to topo-I, AT1R, and ETA1 were associated with digital ulcers, pulmonary- and esophageal manifestation.ConclusionsFunctionally active anti-AT1R-abs can be detected in SSc-patients but do not correlate with disease activity. They are not specific for this disease and occur also in other autoimmune disorders and even viral or toxic diseases. Also, the vascular antibodies detected by ELISA are not SSc-specific but correlated with disease manifestations. In contrast, anti-topo-I-abs were confirmed to be a highly specific biomarker for both, diagnosis and organ manifestations of SSc.

Upregulation of Myxovirus-resistance Protein A: A Possible Marker of Type I Interferon Induction in Systemic Sclerosis

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 2192-2200 ◽  
Author(s):  
PAOLO AIRÒ ◽  
CLAUDIA GHIDINI ◽  
CINZIA ZANOTTI ◽  
MIRKO SCARSI ◽  
ROBERTO CATTANEO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Type I Interferon ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Digital Ulcers ◽  
Type I ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Resistance Protein ◽  
Reliable Marker

ObjectiveTo examine whether myxovirus-resistance protein A (MxA) mRNA expression, commonly considered a reliable marker of Type I interferon (IFN) bioactivity, is modified in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); if it is associated to specific clinical features; and if its modulation is accompanied by modulation of mRNA for the Type I IFN receptor (IFNAR).MethodsQuantification of mRNA for MxA and the subunit IFNAR1 and isoforms of IFNAR2 was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 50 patients with SSc. Results were compared with those obtained from healthy controls and patients with another autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis.ResultsLevels of MxA mRNA above the 99th percentile of values found in healthy controls were observed in 9 out of 50 patients with SSc (p < 0.001). Induced MxA expression was significantly associated with some features of more severe disease, such as lower forced vital capacity and the presence of ischemic digital ulcers. No differences in the levels of IFNAR were found within MxA-induced and MxA-non-induced patients, but there was a direct correlation between levels of MxA and the soluble isoform of IFNAR2.ConclusionOur results show induction of MxA expression in some patients with SSc, which correlates with the presence of ischemic ulcers and other signs of worse disease, suggesting a potential role of Type I IFN in the pathogenesis of this disease and/or its complications.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Does Not Contribute to Genetic Susceptibility to Systemic Sclerosis in European Caucasians

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
JULIEN WIPFF ◽  
GUILLAUME GALLIER ◽  
PHILIPPE DIEUDE ◽  
JEROME AVOUAC ◽  
KIET TIEV ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Digital Ulcers ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Combined Analysis ◽  
Genotype Frequencies ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Disease Haplotype

Objective.To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms including I/D and 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) affect susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a large French Caucasian population.Methods.A case-control study was performed in 494 patients with SSc and 280 healthy controls for I/D polymorphism. Two supplementary exonic SNP of ACE gene (rs4309, rs4362) were genotyped in 659 patients with SSc and 511 matched healthy controls. Among the whole SSc population, 453 (67%) patients with SSc had the limited cutaneous subtype, 47 (7%) had precapillary pulmonary arterial hypertension, 209 (32%) had digital ulcers, and 10 (1.5%) had renal crisis. A combined analysis of the available results for ACE I/D genotypes in Caucasians was also performed.Results.There was no association between the 3 polymorphic markers and SSc for allelic and genotype frequencies. No association was observed for the different vascular subsets of the disease. Haplotype analyses did not detect any association. The lack of association for ACE I/D was confirmed by the combined analysis.Conclusion.These results in a large cohort of European Caucasian patients with SSc do not support that the ACE gene is implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc and its vascular damage.

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