Serum relaxin in systemic sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate serum levels of relaxin (RLX), a hormone with acknowledged antifibrotic activity, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).


METHODS
We performed a pilot study of 50 outpatients with SSc and 50 healthy subjects. Serum RLX was measured using the relaxin ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test.


RESULTS
Serum RLX appeared to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with SSc compared to controls. RLX appeared significantly increased (p < 0.001) in male patients compared to male controls, and in female patients compared to female controls. RLX was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in female patients and female controls compared to male patients and male controls.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with SSc, the increased level of RLX represents a defensive response against the fibrotic process.
Giordano
Nicola
N
Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine-Metabolic Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. giordanon@unisi.it
Papakostas
Panayotis
P
Lucani
Barbara
B
Amendola
Alessandra
A
Cipolli
Fiorenza
F
Agate
Vita Maria
VM
Battisti
Emilio
E
Martini
Giuseppe
G
Nuti
Ranuccio
R
D015415:Biomarkers; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause; D008598:Menstruation; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012065:Relaxin / Q000097:blood*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D012737:Sex Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D012065:Relaxin