Wipff J et al. – An association between the increased values of soluble endoglin (sENG) with a vascular phenotype is demonstrated in a large systemic sclerosis (SSc) cohort. However, its predictive value and potential role on cellular endothelial disturbances remain to be determined. Methods
Study to investigate the association between the sENG levels and other serum vascular markers with abnormal angiogenesis
Serum levels of sENG were assessed by ELISA in consecutive SSc pts (n=187) and controls (n=48) matched for age and sex
ELISA serum levels of VEGF and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were also measured as respective markers of angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction
Results
Higher concs of sENG and sVEGF were found in SSc pts vs controls; no difference for ADMA
sENG levels were increased in SSc pts with cutaneous ulcerations, positive for ACAs and with abnormal diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide divided by alveolar volume
sENG levels negatively correlated with ADMA, but no relationship was found between sENG and sVEGF
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