Serum Levels of Soluble ST2 and Interleukin-33 in Patients with Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine whether soluble ST2 (sST2) and interleukin (IL)-33 is involved in dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM).

Methods: Serum sST2 and IL-33 levels in 49 DM and 21 PM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-Jo-1 antibody and anti-Mi-2 antibody were tested by standard laboratory techniques. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was identified on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The visual analogue scale (VAS) of the disease activity, muscle strength, lung functional parameters and other clinical features of DM/PM patients were recorded as well.

Results: Sera sST2 levels were significantly higher in DM and PM patients and correlated with CRP, CK, LDH and VAS. The level of serum sST2 decreased after therapy. Conversely, serum levels of IL-33 in patients with PM and DM were not significantly higher than those from HC.

Conclusions: The level of sST2 is elevated in sera of DM and PM patients. sST2 levels were correlated with other markers of disease activity. This data support that sST2 may play a role in DM and PM.