Serum Tenascin-C: A novel biomarker for diagnosis and predicting prognosis of rheumatic carditis?

Abstract

Background: Tenascin-C (TnC) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that has a major role in tissue remodeling.Objective: To evaluate the serum TnC level in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD) during childhood. Methods: Twenty-five patients with ARF, 25 patients with CRHD and 20 control subjects were included in the study. The TnC levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in the ARF group.Results: The TnC levels were lower in the acute carditis group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The cut-off level was estimated as 2.08 ng/ml for diagnosing carditis with 93.3% sensitivity and 95% specificity. On second analysis, prominent decrease was detected in valve insufficiency patients with markedly elevated TnC levels. In the CRHD group, TnC level was significantly lower in cases with severe valve insufficiency (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Serum TnC level can be used as a new biochemical marker for diagnosis and predicting the prognosis of rheumatic carditis. © Crown copyright 2013.