Increased expression of chemerin in endothelial cells due to Fli1 deficiency may contribute to the development of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Chemerin is down-regulated in SSc dermal fibroblasts by autocrine TGF-β, while it is up-regulated in SSc dermal blood vessels through endothelial Fli1 deficiency. Increased chemerin expression in dermal blood vessels may be associated with the development of digital ulcers in SSc.