Interleukin-6 in systemic sclerosis and potential correlation with pulmonary involvement

BackgroundA progressive pulmonary involvement is frequent in systemic sclerosis and it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. IL-6 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis via stimulation of fibroblasts to produce excess collagen and glycosaminoglycan. Specific correlation between IL-6 and lung involvement have not been found yet.AimTo study the possible correlation between lung involvement (assessed by spirometry and HRCT abnormalities) and the serum level of IL-6.Subjects and methods20 patients with scleroderma compared with 20 matched volunteers as control group. All participants underwent spirometry, HRCT scan and serum IL-6 measurements. HRCT signs were scored according to Warrick et al. score for systemic sclerosis.ResultsPatients showed a statistically significant reduction in FVC%, FEF 25–75% and significantly higher ESR and IL-6 compared to control. There was a highly significant positive correlation between the total HRCT score and serum IL-6.ConclusionSerum IL-6 could be a marker of the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.