Usefulness of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody and rheumatoid factor to detect rheumatoid arthritis in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies (anti-CCP Abs) and to assess associations between the presence of anti-CCP Ab and arthritis or arthralgia in SSc patients.

Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 146 SSc patients. Anti-CCP Ab, anti-agalactosyl (AG) IgG Ab, IgM-RF, IgG-RF and MMP-3 were determined, respectively.

Elevated serum APRIL levels in patients with systemic sclerosis: distinct profiles of systemic sclerosis categorized by APRIL and BAFF.

Objective: Elevated serum concentrations of B cell-activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) are found in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and are associated with the severity of skin sclerosis. We investigated serum levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), a close homolog to BAFF, and its clinical association in patients with SSc as well as its correlation with BAFF.

Methods: Serum APRIL levels from 74 patients with SSc, 25 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 25 healthy subjects were examined by ELISA.