Correlation between Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Levels and Skin Disorder Levels based on Modified Rodnan’s Skin Scores in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by the excessive formation of fibrous tissue. The current determination of systemic sclerosis progression uses the modified Rodnan’s skin score (MRSS), which is checked manually by assessing skin stiffness based on subjective pinching. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a major cytokine in the formation of fibrous tissue as the potential marker of systemic sclerosis progression and the targeting therapy. This study aims to determine the correlation between TGF-β levels and modified Rodnan’s skin score in systemic sclerosis patients.This study was a cross-sectional design and carried out in September 2021 at RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin, Bandung. This research examined 33 samples of the biological material of systemic sclerosis patients obtained from a study entitled "Development of a Systemic Sclerosis Registry System Based on Electronic Medical Records" which were stored at -80 ºC. A TGF-β test was performed at the Clinical Laboratory of Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung.The results of this study showed that the mean TGF-β level was 19.6 + 4.7 ng/mL. We found a significant moderate correlation between TGF-β and modified Rodnan’s skin score with an R-value of 0.513 and a p-value of 0.002.In conclusion, there is a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between TGF-β levels and modified Rodnan’s skin scores in patients with systemic sclerosis. Although TGF-β is the main mediator of fibrous tissue formation, there are many other mediators.