Abnormal plasma levels of different angiogenic molecules are associated with different clinical manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Abstract

Our findings show significantly higher circulating levels of seven angiogenic parameters in SSc patients, thus reflecting the disregulation of endothelium in this disease. Abnormal levels of these molecules may be considered an attempt for compensatory although ineffective mechanisms of vascular function, leading to the development of the main clinical manifestations of SSc.