Effects of oral cyclophosphamide and prednisolone therapy on the endothelial functions and clinical findings in patients with early diffuse systemic sclerosis

Apras S., Ertenli I., Ozbalkan Z., Kiraz S., Ozturk M., Haznedaroglu I., ...More

ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM, vol.48, no.8, pp.2256-2261, 2003 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 48 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/art.11081
  • Journal Name: ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.2256-2261
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective. The endothelial damage of microvascular structures in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is associated with increased levels of endothelial adhesion molecules and endothelium-associated cytokines, including E-selectin and thrombomodulin. Although there is still no ideal specific pharmacologic therapy for SSc, cyclophosphamide has resulted in clinical improvement in patients with SSc-related active alveolitis. This study was designed to assess the expression of E-selectin and thrombomodulin in patients with early diffuse SSc, and to investigate the effects of oral cyclophosphamide combined with prednisolone therapy on the levels of these endothelium-associated cytokines and on the patients' clinical outcomes.