Blood serum levels of amino-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide in patients with systemic sclerosis.

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the association of serum levels of amino-terminal fragment of pro-C-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proCNP), as a substitute measure of serum C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), with clinical and laboratory findings in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Serum NT-proCNP, soluble (s)E-and sP-selectin levels were examined using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 30 patients with SSc and 30 healthy controls. We found no statistically significant difference in serum levels of NT-proCNP neither between patients with SSc and healthy controls nor between those treated with immunosuppressive agents and untreated patients. Nevertheless, in the investigated SSc group, serum NT-proCNP levels correlated with the concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the duration of the disease. Both sP- and sE-selectin levels were elevated in SSc patients when compared to healthy subjects. Also they did not correlate with the concentrations of NT-proCNP. The results of the study indicate that serum NT-proCNP level is likely secondary to existing inflammation. However, the magnitude of CNP action in SSc and its possible role in the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be elucidated.