Serum CXCL16 Concentrations Correlate with the Extent of Skin Sclerosis in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Objective. To determine serum concentrations of Soluble CXCL16 and its clinical associations ill patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. Serum CXCL16 levels from 89 patients with SSc were examined by ELISA. In a retrospective longitudinal study, 68 sera from 28 patients with SSc were analyzed (followup 1.3 to 7.3 yrs). Results. Serum CXCL16 levels were elevated in patients with SSc compared with healthy controls (n=42). Patients with diffuse Cutaneous SSc (n=52) had higher levels of CXCL16 than those with limited Cutaneous SSc (n=37). Serum CXCL16 levels correlated positively with the extent of skin sclerosis. In the longitudinal Study, CXCL16 levels generally decreased on a parallel with the improvement in skin sclerosis. Conclusion. CXCL16 levels were increased in patients with SSc, and correlated with the extent of skin sclerosis, suggesting that CXCL16 may have a role in the development of skin fibrosis in SSc. Blockade of CXCL 16 interaction might be a potential therapeutic target in patients with SSc. (First Release July 15 2009; J Rheumatol 2009;36:1917-23; doi: 10.3899/jrheum.090108)