ABSTRACT
To detect the serum level of soluble E, P and L-selectins in systemic sclerosis [SSc] and Behcet's disease [BD] patients and compare them to normal healthy controls. Also, to determine their relation to clinical parameters of disease activity Serum samples from 15 SSc patients, 10 BD patients and 10 apparently healthy age and sex matched controls were examined with a sensitive linked immunosorbent assay. All patients were evaluated for the presence of gastrointestinal, pulmonary, renal, cardiac, Raynaud's phenomenon as well as joint or muscle involvement. Serum levels of E and P-selectins were highly significantly increased in SSc patients as compared to healthy controls. L-selectin was significantly higher in Raynaud's related scleroderma. Serum level of P-selectin was found to be higher in the diffuse form of SSc. There was no correlation of any selectin and pulmonary fibrosis. As regards BD, there was a highly significant increase in E-selectin and a significant increase in P-selectin in comparison with normal controls. Comparing SSc and BD as regards selectin; there was a significant increase of E and P-selectins in SSc. The values of E and P-selectins were found to be elevated in SSc and BD patients that might reflect their role in the pathogenesis of both diseases. The correlation of E, P and L-selectins with clinical parameters of SSc may help in evaluation of progression or remission of the disease. Further large long term study and serial measurements at different intervals of therapy are needed to correlate it with clinical deterioration or improvement and response to therapy