Abstract
BackgroundNeurotrophins (NTs) are able to activate lymphocytes and fibroblasts; they can modulate angiogenesis and sympathic vascular function. Thus, they can be implicated in the three pathogenic processes of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aims of this study are to determine blood levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in SSc and to correlate them with clinical and biological data.MethodsSerum samples were obtained from 55 SSc patients and 32 control subjects to measure NTs levels by ELISA and to determine their relationships with SSc profiles.FindingsSerum NGF levels were higher in SSc patients (288.26±170.34 pg/mL) than in control subjects (170.34±50.8 pg/mL, p<0.001) and correlated with gammaglobulins levels and the presence of both anti-cardiolipin and anti-Scl-70 antibodies (p<0.05). In contrast, BDNF levels were lower in SSc patients than in controls (1121.9±158.1 vs 1372.9±190.9 pg/mL, p<0.0001), especially in pulmonary arterial hypertension and diffuse SSc as compared to limited forms (all p<0.05). NT-3 levels were similar in SSc and in the control group (2657.2±2296 vs 2959.3±2555 pg/mL, NS). BDNF levels correlated negatively with increased NGF levels in the SSc group (and not in controls).ConclusionLow BDNF serum levels were not previously documented in SSc, particularly in the diffuse SSc subset and in patients with pulmonary hypertension or anti-Scl-70 antibodies. The negative correlation between NGF and BDNF levels observed in SSc and not in healthy controls could be implicated in sympathic vascular dysfunction in SSc.
Highlights
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by at least 3 pathogenic processes: immunological abnormalities, micro-vascular dysfunction and fibrosis [1].Neurotrophins (NTs) belong to a family of growth factors that control the development, growth and apoptotic death of neurons and astrocytes [2]
The negative correlation between Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels observed in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and not in healthy controls could be implicated in sympathic vascular dysfunction in SSc
Variations in NTs expression in SSc Serum NGF levels were higher in SSc patients
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by at least 3 pathogenic processes: immunological abnormalities, micro-vascular dysfunction and fibrosis [1].Neurotrophins (NTs) belong to a family of growth factors that control the development, growth and apoptotic death of neurons and astrocytes [2]. Accumulating evidences suggest that NTs, especially Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), participate in inflammatory responses, including the modulation and regulation of immune functions in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases [2]. Increased NGF and BDNF plasmatic levels have been recently reported in primary Sjogren’s syndrome in correlation with systemic activity and B and T cell activation [4]. Neurotrophins (NTs) are able to activate lymphocytes and fibroblasts; they can modulate angiogenesis and sympathic vascular function. They can be implicated in the three pathogenic processes of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aims of this study are to determine blood levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in SSc and to correlate them with clinical and biological data
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