We previously demonstrated that serum HGF levels were significantly elevated in patients with SSc and serum HGF levels correlated to markers of endothelial injury (thrombomodulin) and interstitial lung injury (KL-6), suggesting that elevation of serum HGF counteracts the endothelial and interstitial lung injury caused by SSc [24]. This evidence concerns the gene THBD and systemic sclerosis.