Autoantibodies to pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in patients with systemic sclerosis

Abstract
Objective. To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of anti‐pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (anti‐PDC) antibodies in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. Serum samples from patients with limited cutaneous SSc (n = 81) or diffuse cutaneous SSc (n = 63) were examined for anti‐PDC antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. Results. IgG‐ and/or IgM‐isotype anti‐PDC antibodies were demonstrated by ELISA in 26 of 144 patients with SSc (18%). By immunoblotting, 19 patients had IgG anti‐PDC antibodies. Among these patients with IgG anti‐PDC antibodies, antibody to the E1α subunit was significantly associated with the presence of laboratory abnormalities typical of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Conclusion. Antibody to the E1α subunit of PDC may be a serologic indicator for the development of PBC in patients with SSc.

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