Serum Interleukin-18, Fetuin-A, Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, and Endothelin-1 in Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and SAPHO Syndrome

Abstract

To examine serum interleukin 18 (IL-18), fetuin-A, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and Synovitis Acne Pustulosis Hyperostosis Osteitis syndrome (SAPHO). We studied 81 AS, 76 PsA, and 34 SAPHO patients. We measured serum IL-18, fetuin-A, sICAM-1, ET-1, IL-6, IL-23, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). IL-18 levels were higher in AS (p = 0.001), PsA (p = 0.0003), and SAPHO (p = 0.01) than in controls, and were positively correlated with CRP (p = 0.03), VEGF (p = 0.03), and total cholesterol (TC, p = 0.006) in AS and with IL-6 (p = 0.03) in PsA. Serum fetuin-A levels were lower in AS (p = 0.001) and PsA (p = 0.001) than in controls, and negatively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) in AS (p = 0.04) and SAPHO (p = 0.03). sICAM-1 positively correlated with CRP (p = 0.01), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, p = 0.01), and IL-6 (p = 0.008) in AS, and with IL-6 (p = 0.001) in SAPHO. Serum ET-1 levels were lower in AS (p = 0.0005) than in controls. ET-1 positively correlated with ESR (p = 0.04) and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28, p = 0.003) in PsA. In spondyloarthritis, markers of endothelial function correlated with disease activity and TC.

Extra-Articular Symptoms in Constellation with Selected Serum Cytokines and Disease Activity in Spondyloarthritis

“…In our previous study we confirmed higher levels of IL-18 in SpA patients and AS patients [13]. In current study we additionally confirmed that serum IL-18 was higher in SpA patients with AAU and compared to healthy controls.…”

“…These suggested role of IL-18 in pathogenesis of SAHO [12, 13]. In our study increased serum IL-18 was associated with increased risk of PPP.…”

“…Data presenting serum levels of selected cytokines and markers of disease activity in subgroup of 191 SpA patients and 30 controls are presented in our previous paper by Przepiera-Będzak et al [13]. …”

“…The controls were 30 healthy volunteers. The methods of assessment of these cytokines were presented in our previous paper [13]. …”

“…There are data that development of different extra-articular symptoms is connected with elevated levels of different markers of inflammatory process [4, 6, 13]. Additionally vascular abnormalities and endothelial dysfunction are considered to play a role in the pathogenesis of AAU, IBD, and psoriasis [18–20].…”