The effects of secukinumab and metformin therapy on CXCl4 and ki̇meri̇n levels in experimental model of scleroderma

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune disease of unknown pathogenesis. Sekukinumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin (IL)-17A. Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic drug with pleiotropic effects. CXCL4 and kimerin are chemokines and adipocytokines that are thought to be involved in inflammation and fibrosis processes in SSc. The aim of our study is to determine the levels of CXCL4 and kimerin molecules in serum and skin tissue and the effects of secukinumab and metformin treatments on these molecules in experimental model of scleroderma. The experimental animals used in the study consisted of 40 Balb/c female mice. Serum and skin tissues from these animals were used for the study. The mice were divided as 4 groups. Every day for 4 weeks, 100 μl of phosphate-buffered saline (FTS) was administered subcutaneously (sc) to the mice in the control group, and 100 μg of BLM (in 100 μl of FTS) to the mice in the other group. In addition, mice of group 3 were given 10 mg/kg secukinumab (sc) once a week; mice of group 4 were administered 50 mg/kg metformin (oral) daily for 28 days. At the end of the study, all mice were sacrificed and serum and tissue samples were taken. In addition to histopathological analysis, serum and tissue CXCL4 and kimerin levels were evaluated by ELISA method. Repeated BLM injections had induced dermal fibrosis. In addition, serum and tissue CXCL4 and kimerin levels were increased in the BLM group. With secukinumab and metformin treatment, dermal thickness, tissue CXL4 and kimerin levels were significantly decreased. In conclusion, CXCL4 and kimerin SSk may be target biomarkers in the evaluation of fibrotic process and anti-fibrotic therapy efficacy.