Radical oxygen species production induced by advanced oxidation protein products predicts clinical evolution and response to treatment in systemic sclerosis

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Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the development of the various patterns of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the mechanisms of ROS production by endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Methods: Production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) and cellular proliferation were determined following incubation of endothelial cells and fibroblasts with 56 SSc and 30 healthy sera. Correlations were established between those markers, the type and the severity of the clinical involvements, and the response to treatment. The factors leading to ROS production were determined. Results: H2O2 production by endothelial cells and fibroblasts was higher after incubation with SSc sera than with normal sera (p2O2 or NO. Conclusions: SSc sera induce the production of different types of ROS that selectively activate endothelial cells or fibroblasts, leading to vascular or fibrotic complications. Assaying serum-induced ROS production allows clinical activity of the disease to be followed and appropriate treatments to be selected.