BIOMARKERS OF VASCULAR DISORDERS IN RAYNAUD PHENOMENON
Abstract:
Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is defined as an episodic response to cold or emotional stress that causes color change of extremities. RP is classified into primary and secondary form. The latter is associated with connective tissue diseases, especially systemic sclerosis. Due to the gradual onset of the disease, the patient usually comes to medical attention with advanced disease with internal organs damage. Moreover, biomarkers that will facilitate an early diagnosis are being explored. The results of the studies reveal an increased level of von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator in patients who developed systemic scleroderma later in life, even in the absence of specific antibodies and capillaroscopic changes. Also, in experimental models, extractable nuclear antigenes prove to have a direct profibrotic activity. Therefore, combination of biomarkers and capillaroscopy will allow a very early diagnosis and therapeutic management for a better outcome of patients with connective tissue disorders
full text article in English (.EN) |