Clinical and immunological significance of quantification of antibodies to type I, II, III collagen and elastin in systemic scleroderma

The aim of the work was to study clinical and immunological relevance of quantification of antibodies to type I, II, III collagen and elastin in systemic scleroderma. 51 systemic scleroderma patients with verified diagnosis and different disease activity were included in the study. 30 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. The laboratory markers were assessed both on admission and on discharge. 

Antibodies to serum type I, II, or III collagen, and elastin were measured using the ELISA test with antigen immobilized on the magnetic beads. Increased concentrations of antibodies to serum type I, II, or III collagen and elastin were found in systemic scleroderma with minimal disease activity. Statistical interrelations between antibody levels and disease activities and course types were also revealed. Skin, kidney, lung, and heart involvement in systemic scleroderma patients were associated with the more pronounced levels of antibodies to collagen compared to the absence of these conditions. 

Measurement of antibodies to serum type I, II, or III collagen and elastin in systemic scleroderma using antigen immobilized on magnetic beads is a candidate biomarker for better diagnosis and assessment of disease activity, course type, clinical pattern, treatment control, as well as useful tool for research of systemic scleroderma pathogenesis. 

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