Altered adhesion molecules expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic sclerosis and clinical correlations

Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Jul;28(7):847-51. doi: 10.1007/s10067-009-1124-0. Epub 2009 Feb 19.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the expressions of adhesion molecules (AM) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Thirty-one SSc patients (ACR) and 20 normal subjects were selected for the study. PBMNC were analyzed for LFA-1alpha, LFA-1beta, ICAM-3, ICAM-1, and L: -selectin expressions. ICAM-3 expression was decreased while ICAM-1 was increased on SSc PBMNC, compared to controls (p = 0.04 and 0.003, respectively). A positive association was found between LFA-1alpha (r = 0.37, p = 0.03), LFA-1beta (r = 0.38, p = 0.002), ICAM-3 (r = 0.42, p = 0.01), and L-selectin (r = 0.38, p = 0.03) expressions and greater number of immunosuppressive drugs taken by SSc patients. Also, anti-centromeric positive SSc patients had lower expressions of LFA-1alpha, LFA-1beta, ICAM-3, and L-selectin. Lower expression of ICAM-3 and higher expression of ICAM-1 suggest that AMs may be involved in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • L-Selectin / metabolism
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism*
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / blood*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • ICAM3 protein, human
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • L-Selectin