title: Serum human cartilage glycoprotein-39 levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (HC gp-39) is a protein secreted by various cells including chondrocytes. Serum HC gp-39 has been suggested to be a marker of cartilage damage. However, inflammation involving other sites than the joints is an additional factor that increases the serum level of HC gp-39.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of HC gp-39 determination in serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a marker of joint involvement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum HC gp-39 levels were measured in 25 patients with SLE and 22 healthy controls. SLE activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, and articular involvement by calculating the number of swollen and tender joints. The markers of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed an increase in HC gp-39 in SLE patients. However, there was no correlation of this parameter with disease activity, inflammatory markers (except serum gamma globulin levels), and articular involvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study suggests that increased HC gp-39 in SLE patients results mainly from inflammation and is not useful as a marker of joint involvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
authors.forename: Dominika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wcisło-Dziadecka
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kotulska
authors.forename: Ligia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brzezińska-Wcisło
authors.forename: Eugeniusz J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kucharz
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lis-Swiety
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kamińska-Wiciorek
mesh_terms: D054392:Adipokines; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D000071451:Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D037102:Lectins / Q000097:blood*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D054392:Adipokines; D015415:Biomarkers; C084533:CHI3L1 protein, human; D000071451:Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1; D006023:Glycoproteins; D037102:Lectins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein