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 of Rheumatology/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 (FEV1 ). 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 (FEV1 , 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.
Keywords: SCUBE; skin thickness; systemic sclerosis; ultrasonography.
© 2020 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.