Aim:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of serum signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein (SCUBE)-1, SCUBE-2 and SCUBE-3 and clinical findings and ultrasonographic skin thickness in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Material and Methods: Thirty patients who met the American College ofRheumatology/European League against Rheumatism 2013 SSc classification criteria and 44 healthy volunteers who were compatible with the patient group in terms of age and gender were included in the study. Serum SCUBE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ultrasonographic skin thickness measurements were simultaneously performed.Results: No significant difference was found between the serum SCUBE levels of SSc patients and serum SCUBE levels of the control group. A negative correlation was detected between serum SCUBE-1 level and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ). While a positive correlation was detected between serum SCUBE-2 level and the Duruöz Hand Index and serum C4 level, a negative correlation was determined with the forced vital capacity (FVC) value. A negative correlation was determined between serum SCUBE-3 level and echocardiographic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). A correlation could not be determined between serum SCUBE levels and ultrasonographic skin thickness. However, a positive correlation was observed between ultrasonographic skin thickness and the modified Rodnan skin score. Conclusion:In this study, a correlation was observed between serum SCUBE levels and some clinical and laboratory parameters (FEV 1 , FVC, PAP, C4, and Duruöz Hand Index) in SSc patients. New clinical studies are needed to better understand the contribution of these molecules in the progression and pathogenesis of SSc. K E Y W O R D S SCUBE, skin thickness, systemic sclerosis, ultrasonography | 527 GÜNDÜZ et al. How to cite this article: Gündüz İ, Batmaz İ, Bozan T, Ekinci A, Cevik R. The relationship of serum SCUBE-1, -2 and -3 levels with clinical findings and ultrasonographic skin thickness in systemic sclerosis patients. Int J Rheum Dis. 2020;23:526-531.
Aim: Aim: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an inflammatory disease characterized by a widespread fibrosis of affected tissue. Obesity is characterized as a chronic inflammatory state and affects the production of cytokines. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether obesity alters clinical characteristics and serum were transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) levels in patients with SSc. Material and Methods:Material and Methods: Eighty-six patients with SSc were enrolled in this study. Body mass indexes (BMI) were calculated and the cases were divided into 3 groups (normal, overweight and obese). In each group, the extent of skin involvement was determined by modified Rodnan skin score, pulmonary function test, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity were measured. TGF-β levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Results: Thirty-eight patients were of normal weight (BMI: ≤25 kg/m 2 ), 27 patients were overweight (BMI: 25-30 kg/m 2 ) and 21 patients were obese (BMI >30 kg/m 2 ). Their clinical and laboratory findings were similar. However, serum TGF-β level was significantly lower in obese SSc patients compared with those with normal weight. Conclusion: Conclusion:These results suggest that obesity does not affect the severity of SSc. The cause of decreased serum TGF-β level in obese patients may be increased by fat tissue instead of SSc. Despite decreased TGF-β level, the severity of SSc is not different between obese and non-obese patients. These differences apart from TGF-β may be responsible for the SSc severity in obese SSc patients.
The second-to fourth-digit ratio (2D:4D), the ratio of the second finger length to the fourth finger length, is associated with exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more common in women, suggesting the effect of hormonal factors. The aim of the present study was to determine whether 2D:4D, which is associated with sex hormone levels, is affected in patients with RA. Material and Methods:Material and Methods: Digital images of the right and left hands of 205 RA patients (mean age 47.8±11.3 years; 84% female) and 205 age and gender matched healthy controls (mean age 47.3±11.6 years; 84% female) were obtained. 2D:4D was calculated by dividing the 2 nd digit length by the 4 th digit length. The 2D:4D difference between the right and left hand (ΔR-L 2D:4D) was obtained by subtracting the left hand 2D:4D ratio from the right hand 2D:4D ratio.Results: Results: No difference was found between patients with RA and the control group in terms of the 2D:4D ratio in the right and left hand. In female patients with RA, ΔR-L 2D:4D was higher compared with the control group. For both hands, the 2D:4D increase rate in women compared to men was higher in patients with RA compared to the control groups. Conclusion: Conclusion:The detected 2D:4D ratio differences suggest that prenatal estrogen/androgen balance may be altered in female patients with RA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate 2D:4D change in patients with RA.
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