Plasma free aminoacids pattern in progressive systemic sclerosis.

20 free aminoacids levels have been measured with a chromatographic method (Beckman 118 BL Aminoacid analyzer) in 9 patients affected by progressive systemic sclerosis and in 15 healthy subjects (control group). Both patients and control group were females, mean daily protein intake was between 1,2-1,5 gr/Kg in the two groups. No other pathological condition was found in each patient, none of them was receiving drug therapy at least from 2 months. No significant age different existed between the patients and the control group. Analysis of variance of the results showed significant decreases of proline, histidine, valine and methionine levels and significant increase of aspartic acid concentration in the plasma of PSS patients.