Cytokine and Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (sICMA-1) Serum Levels in Rheumatiod Arthritis Complicated by Vasculitis

Journal/Book: Z Rheumatol 1998; 57 Suppl. 1: 82 (P 148). 1998;

Abstract: Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases - Medical Academy Bialystok Vascular involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a wide range of extra-articular complications. A damage to internal organs occurs through a widespread disorder of the microvasculature. Vasculitis as an integral part of the disease process is associated with immune system abnormalities. To evaluate the relationship between capillaroscopic abnormalities extra-articular involvement and immunological alterations serum levels of sICAM-1 soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-() interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 80 RA patients. In all patients with signs of extra-articular manifestation severe or moderate changes in nailfold capillaroscopy were found. Serum levels of sICAM-1 TNF-u IL-6 sIL-6R and sIL-2R were significantly higher in RA patients compared with 30 healthy subjects. RA patients with clinical signs of systemic vasculitis showed significantly higher levels of TNF-( sIL-2R IL-6 and sICAM-1 as compared to those without vascular involvement. Among the various clinical manifestations skin involvement and severe vascular capillaroscopic abnormalities were significantly associated with high serum levels of sICAM-1. Serum sICAM-1 concentrations correlated significantly with the erytrocyte sedimentation rate serum sIL-2R and IL-6 but not with the duration of disease or the type of treatment. These results point to a pathogenic role of the cytokine network and adhesion molecules in rheumatoid vasculitis and further suggest an important role of cellular immune activation in the pathogenesis of microvascular damage. le

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