Serum netrin-1 levels in systemic sclerosis patients with capillary abnormalities

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, potentially destructive systemic autoimmune disease characterized by organ fibrosis and vasculopathy. Netrin-1 is associated with angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Aim of the work

To assess the level of serum netrin-1 in SSc patients with capillary abnormalities and to evaluate its relation to disease manifestations.

Patients and methods

This study investigated the relationship between netrin-1 and fibrosis in 56 SSc patients and 58 matched control. The modified Rodnan skin score (mRss) was used to assess skin thickness. Serum netrin-1 level was quantitatively measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The study included 56 patients; 53 females and 3 males (F:M 17.7:1) with a mean age of 48·1 ± 13·6 years and disease duration of 13.01 ± 8·7 years. They were 43 (76.7 %) diffuse and 13 (23.3 %) limited subtypes. The median mRss was 6.58 ± 2.2. Raynaud’s disease was present in 50 % and interstitial lung disease in 57.1 %. The median netrin-1 level was significantly higher in SSc patients (268·8 pg/mL; 82·8-1006·6 pg/mL) than in the controls (108·6 pg/mL;21·02-351·5 pg/mL, p < 0·0001). There was no significant difference in the serum netrin-1 levels in SSc patients with and without Raynaud’s disease (p = 0.55), interstitial lung disease (p = 0.18), anti-Scl70 positive antibodies (p = 0·78), and anti-centromere antibody (p = 0·493). Netrin-1 was significantly related to SSc (OR = 1·02, 95 %CI: 1·01 − 1·03, p < 0·0001). At a cut-off value 126·3 pg/mL, netrin-1 would diagnose SSc (sensitivity 60·3%, specificity 94·6%, 95 %CI: 0·83 − 0·95, p < 0·0001).

Conclusion

SSc patients had significantly high levels of serum netrin-1 with a potential role in the pathophysiology of the disease.