AUTOIMMUNE ASPECTS OF COLLAGEN HOMEOSTASIS DISORDER IN UNDIFFERENTIATED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DYSPLASIA

Abstract. The levels of autoantibodies to collagen type I, II, III, IV and V were studied in blood plasma of 130 patients (18-32 years old) with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, using immunoenzyme analysis. A correlation was revealed between the levels of autoantibodies to various collagen types, and external and/or heart manifestations of connective tissue dysplasia. Increased levels of autoantibodies to collagen type I and II were shown in patients with chest deformation, scoliosis, pronounced joint hypermobility syndrome, multiple minor intracardial anomalies. Increased antibodies to type I collagen were associated with flat-footedness, whereas levels of antibodies to collagen type I, II, and V correlated with myxomatous degeneration of mitral valve prolapse. Increase in anticollagen antibody levels in cases of pronounced external and cardiac markers of connective tissue dysplasia suggests an impairment of autoimmune regulatory mechanisms of collagen metabolism.