Decreased cathepsin V expression due to Fli1 deficiency contributes to the development of dermal fibrosis and proliferative vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis.
OBJECTIVES
Cathepsin V (CTSV) is a proteolytic enzyme potentially modulating angiogenic processes, collagen degradation and keratinocyte differentiation. We aimed to investigate the clinical association of serum CTSV levels and the mechanism by which CTSV expression is altered in SSc.
METHODS
Serum CTSV levels were determined by ELISA in 51 SSc and 18… (More)