Which type of antibodies are typically associated with diffuse systemic scleroderma?

Diffuse systemic scleroderma is characterized by widespread skin involvement and rapid progression of the disease. A notable feature of this condition is the presence of specific autoantibodies that serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and can influence the prognosis.

Anti-topoisomerase antibodies, also known as anti-Scl-70 antibodies, are typically associated with diffuse systemic scleroderma. These antibodies target the enzyme topoisomerase I, which plays a crucial role in DNA replication and repair. The presence of these antibodies correlates with a more severe form of scleroderma and indicates a higher risk of pulmonary involvement and other systemic complications.

In contrast, other antibodies such as anticentromere antibodies are more closely linked with limited scleroderma, characterized by milder skin involvement and a more indolent course. Antinuclear antibodies are a broad category that can be found in a variety of autoimmune diseases, and antibodies against hepatic antigens are not specifically related to scleroderma at all. Hence, anti-topoisomerase antibodies are the key indicator distinguishing diffuse systemic scleroderma from other forms of the disease.