THE ROLE OF ANGIOGENIC (PDGF) AND ANGIOSTATIC (TSP-1) VASCULAR FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMA

Abstract

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease that leads to progressive fibrosis and vascular abnormalities. This study investigates the role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) as key angiogenic and angiostatic factors in SSc progression. We examined 100 participants, including 80 patients with SSc and 20 healthy controls. Results show significantly elevated PDGF and TSP-1 levels in SSc patients, correlating with the degree of fibrosis and internal organ involvement.