Plasma fibronectin in psoriatic arthritis subgroups.

Plasma from 38 patients suffering from one of the five broad clinical subgroups of Psoriatic Arthritis (PA) were studied for soluble plasma Fibronectin (pFn). The mean total concentration of pFn was 453.03 micrograms/ml +/- 142.83 SD, with a significant statistical difference (p less than 0.01) versus a healthy control group matched with respect to sex and age. In order to evaluate the biological role that pFn might play in this pathological condition, observed concentrations were correlated with the degree and duration of the psoriasis and arthritis. In addition, pFn was correlated to some biohumoral parameters that are modified during inflammatory processes (ESR, CRP, sCu, sFe, Hb) and to uric acid levels. Tissue typing (HLA) was done where possible. From our observations, we suggest that pFn most likely is not an acute phase protein and rather than having specificity for a particularly disease, might, in widespread and severe cases be, a general and useful marker of the connective-tissue organizing and repairing response, following its injury.