Serum human cartilage glycoprotein-39 levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
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.
Wcisło-Dziadecka
Dominika
D
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Kotulska
Anna
A
Brzezińska-Wcisło
Ligia
L
Kucharz
Eugeniusz J
EJ
Lis-Swiety
Anna
A
Kamińska-Wiciorek
Grazyna
G
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
D054392:Adipokines; D015415:Biomarkers; C084533:CHI3L1 protein, human; D000071451:Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1; D006023:Glycoproteins; D037102:Lectins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein