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Objective: Our study aims to investigate and determine the sclerostin levels in blood and saliva of patients with scleroderma (systemıc sclerosis) and to compare their levels with those of healthy volunteers. In the literature, there is no sufficient number of studies that demonstrate the association between scleroderma and sclerostin. Sclerostin is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma. Material and Method: In our study, 35 scleroderma patients and 35 healty volunteers were enrolled. Blood and saliva sclerostin levels of the patient and healthy controls were measured. Results: The level of sclerostin in blood and saliva of the scleroderma group was measured to be significantly higher than in the control group (p <0,05). Conclusion: The level of sclerostin increases in scleroderma that is a chronic autoimmune disease. Sclerostin is an inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway. These results may point that sclerostin or Wnt pathway have a role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma. However further studies involving more participants are needed in order to verify this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an important complication of connective tissue diseases (CTD) and especially seen in systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). In systemic sclerosis, PAH is isolated or accompanied by interstitial lung disease and currently, a major cause of mortality. It has been shown to be developed in approximately 10% of cases and annual screening with echocardiography has been recommended. Right heart catheterization is required for definite diagnosis. Limited skin involvement, late onset, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, telangiectasias, diminished nail fold capillaries, antiU3RNP and anticentromere antibodies are known as risk factors for PAH development in systemic sclerosis. Following diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) levels can be helpful for evaluating PAH development. PAH in SLE linked to antiphospholipid antibodies and Raynaud's phenomenon in some studies. MCTD is an overlap syndrome with features of systemic sclerosis, SLE, polymyositis and positive anti-U1RNP antibodies. PAH develops in 9-27% of the patients and the leading cause of mortality in patients with MCTD. Endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogs and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors are being used in patients with systemic sclerosis. In SLE/MCTD patients with early diagnosis immunosuppressive treatments may be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]