The role of LRG1 molecule in scleroderma, İTS coleration with clinical findings of scleroderma, its relationship with TGFβ, VEGF, IL-6, TNF‐α LEVELS

Aim: The aim of our study is to examine the role of LRG1 molecule in scleroderma, its correlation with scleroderma clinical findings and its relationship with TGFβ, VEGF, IL-6, TNF-α levels. Method: The sample of the prospective study consisted of 40 patients diagnosed with SSc in the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Medical Faculty Hospital between September 2020 and September 2021 and the control group of 40 healthy individuals. LRG1, TGFβ, VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured in the serum of all patients and healthy individuals participating in the study. The findings obtained from the study were evaluated statistically. Results: In our study, a statistically significant difference was found between the patient and control groups in terms of LRG1, TGFβ, VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α values. The mean LRG1 of the patients was 253,99±52,26, and the mean of LRG1 of the individuals in the control group was 189,18±30,67 (p<0,001). The mean TGF-β of the patients was 548,95±588,93, and the mean of TGF-β of the individuals in the control group was 310.68±101.80 (p=0,016). The mean TNF-α of the patients was 180,40±142,31, and the mean of TNF-α of the individuals in the control group was 114.76±25,43 (p=0,003). The mean IL-6 of the patients was 44,58±36,05, and the mean of IL-6 of the individuals in the control group was 28,53±6,56 (p=0,007). The mean VEGF of the patients was 747,96±562,36, and the mean VEGF of the individuals in the control group was 434,25±196,36 (p=0,022). A moderate positive correlation was detected between LRG1 levels and TNF-α. No significant correlation was found between LRG1 levels and clinical findings of SSc patients. As a result of the ROC analysis, it was determined that the serum LRG1 level had a successful performance in the diagnosis of SSc patients. Conslusion: In our study, a statistically significant difference was found between the patient and control groups in terms of LRG1, TGFβ, VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α values. A moderate positive correlation was detected between LRG1 levels and TNF-α. No significant correlation was found between LRG1 levels and clinical findings of SSc patients. More comprehensive studies are needed in a prospective design and in a large patient cohort to determine the role of LRG1 in the pathogenesis of SSc. Key words: Systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, LRG1, TGFβ, VEGF, IL-6, TNF‐α