Antibodies to histone (h2a–h2b)–dna complexes in the absence of antibodies to double‐stranded dna or to (h2a–h2b) complexes are more sensitive and specific for scleroderma‐related disorders than for lupus

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of antibodies to histones H2A, H2B, and anti-double-stranded DNA which form (H2A-H2B)-DNA complexes in patients with scleroderma-related disorders. METHODS: Antihistone antibodies were measured, by enzyme immunoassay, in 26 patients with scleroderma-related disorders, 100 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS: Antibodies to histone (H2A-H2B)-DNA complex were more commonly seen in patients with scleroderma-related disorders than in those with SLE (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Scleroderma-related disorders should be included among conditions in which various types of antihistone antibodies are produced. A hypothesis to account for this finding is discussed.