The significance of S100A12 in the pathogenesis of Behcet's disease and its value as an activity marker

Abstract

[한글]

[영문]

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a recurrent multisystemic inflammatory disease characterized by neutrophilic vasculitis. Histopathologic findings of skin lesions of BD are mainly neutrophilic vascular reactions. Neutrophil activation is an important characteristic of the active phase of BD. Enhanced superoxide, lysosomal enzymes production and chemotaxis of neutrophils from patients with BD were observed. These observations suggest that the neutrophils are overactive, which leads to tissue injury.S100A12 is a member of the S100 family of calcium binding proteins. It interacts with the multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) found on macrophages, endothelium and lymphocytes. Extracelluar functions of S100A12 include potent chemotactic activity. The aim of the study is to determine tissue expression and serum levels of S100A12 in BD patients. Serum S100A12 was significantly increased in sera from patients in active and inactive BD period compared with controls. Serum S100A12 levels significantly decreased after treatment. Serum S100A12 levels were significantly correlated with disease activity. Immunohistochemical staining of skin sections revealed increased S100A12 expression in the lesions of panniculitis and vasculitis of BD patients. These findings suggest that S100A12 may contribute to BD pathogenesis related to neutrophil hyperactivity. In addition, S100A12 could be used as an activity marker in monitoring disease activity.