Primary Sjögren's syndrome: current and emergent aetiopathogenic concepts

Salivary Flow Rate in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Correlations with Salivary Gland Ultrasound Findings and Biomarkers of Disease Activity

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a slowly progressive, chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition characterized by the affliction of the exocrine glands, with issues that derive from it markedly decreasing the quality of life of these patients. Salivary gland involvement can be identified through imaging methods. Among them, salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) is used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in pSS. The aim of the present study was to assess the salivary flow rate and correlations between it and SGUS findings and markers of pSS activity. A total of 112 patients with pSS and 56 healthy subjects were included in this study. All patients underwent investigations including the measurement of serum autoantibodies, salivary flow rate determination, and ultrasonographic evaluation. SGUS modifications had a strong inverse correlation with salivary flow (r = -68.002, p < 0.0001) and a positive, strong correlation with IL-6 and Beta-2-microglobulin (r = -0.78 and r = -0.84, respectively, p < 0.001 in both cases). The SGUS findings were also strongly and positively correlated with the ESSDAI (r = -0.88, p < 0.0001) and Focus scores (r = -0.82, p < 0.0001). SGUS represents a non-invasive means of assessing the state of the salivary glands and, implicitly, the salivary flow of patients, offering valuable insights into disease progression and steps that can be taken in order to improve patients' quality of life.

Connective tissue disease-associated lung disease in children

Connective tissue diseases are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune diseases that can affect a variety of organ systems. Lung parenchymal involvement is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in children with connective tissue disease. Connective tissue disease-associated lung disease in children often manifests as one of several radiologic-pathologic patterns of disease, with certain patterns having a propensity to occur in association with certain connective tissue diseases. In this article, key clinical, histopathologic, and computed tomography (CT) features of typical patterns of connective tissue disease-associated lung disease in children are reviewed, with an emphasis on radiologic-pathologic correlation, to improve recognition of these patterns of lung disease at CT and to empower the pediatric radiologist to more fully contribute to the care of pediatric patients with these conditions.

[Sjögren syndrome]

In 1933, the Swedish ophthalmologist Hendrik Sjögren was the first to suggest that behind the dryness that several of his patients presented, there could be a systemic disease related to an abnormal immune response. Since then, the term Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) has been used and it has been considered a minor and infrequent disorder compared to other systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) and, consequently, with little progress both in clinical and therapeutic research. The emergence of new technologies at the end of the 20th century rapidly promoted the development of international projects of great impact and diffusion, which have completely changed this scenario, and in the last 20 years significant progress has been made in understanding the main epidemiological determinants and pathogenic mechanisms to increase the diagnostic accuracy and to design specific and individualized therapeutic strategies. Currently, SjS should be considered one of the most frequent SADs with an undoubtedly systemic phenotype beyond dryness, in which the identification of prognostic factors can allow personalized follow-up and, therefore, early therapeutic interventions that avoid severe, irreversible outcomes.

Molecular Mechanisms Linking Inflammation to Autoimmunity in Sjögren's Syndrome: Identification of New Targets

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorder characterized by the lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands and the production of autoantibodies to self-antigens. The involvement of the exocrine glands drives the pathognomonic manifestations of dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and dry mouth (xerostomia) that define sicca syndrome. To date, the molecular mechanisms mediating pathological salivary gland dysfunction in SS remain to be elucidated, despite extensive studies investigating the underlying cause of this disease, hampering the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Many researchers have identified a multifactorial pathogenesis of SS, including environmental, genetic, neuroendocrine, and immune factors. In this review, we explore the latest developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SS, which have attracted increasing interest in recent years.

Assessment of semaphorin 3A and semaphorin 7A levels in primary Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease. Varying rates of system involvements may be seen in the course of the disease. Semaphorins has multifunctions in several physiological and pathological processes such as immune system regulation. The association of Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), which are immune semaphorins, with autoimmune diseases is interesting for researchers. We aimed to compare serum Sema3A and Sema7A levels between primary SS and control subjects, and investigated Sema3A and Sema7A levels in disease subgroups and associated system involvements. 50 consecutive primary SS patients and 40 healthy subjects followed in the Rheumatology clinic of Cumhuriyet University Medical Faculty between 2017 and 2018 were included in the study. Inclusion criteria of patients were diagnosis of primary SS according to the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Serum Sema3A and Sema7A levels were measured by commercial ELISA kit. Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and body mass index. Serum Sema3A and Sema7A levels were significantly lower in SS than in the controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Serum Sema3A levels were significantly lower in patients with renal involvement than in patients without (p = 0.03). Sema3A and Sema7A may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of SS and may be a potential serological marker for the diagnosis of SS and may be a target for treatment.

LAMP3 inhibits autophagy and contributes to cell death by lysosomal membrane permeabilization

ABBREVIATIONS

A253-control: A253 control for LAMP3 stable overexpression; A253- LAMP3: A253 LAPM3 stable overexpression; CASP1: caspase 1; CASP3: caspase 3; CHX: cycloheximide; CTSB: cathepsin B; CTSD: cathepsin D; CQ: chloroquine; DCs: dendritic cells; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; LGALS3: galectin 3; HCV: hepatitis C virus; HSG-control: HSG control for LAMP3 stable overexpression; HSG-LAMP3: HSG LAMP3 stable overexpression; HSP: heat shock protein; HTLV-1: human T-lymphocyte leukemia virus-1; IXA: ixazomib; LAMP: lysosomal associated membrane protein; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; mAb: monoclonal antibody; OE: overexpression; pepA: pepstatin A; pAb: polyclonal antibody; pSS: primary Sjögren syndrome; qRT-PCR: quantitative real- time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; SLE: systemic lupus erythematosus; SS: Sjögren syndrome; UPR: unfolded protein response; V-ATPase: vacuolar-type proton- translocating ATPase; Y-VAD: Ac-YVAD-cmk; Z-DEVD; Z-DEVD-fmk; Z-VAD: Z-VAD- fmk.

Sjögren syndrome: looking forward to the future

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a heterogeneous disease characterised by a wide spectrum of manifestations that vary according to the different stages of the disease and among different subsets of patients. The aim of this qualitative literature review is to summarise the recent advances that have been reported in pSS, ranging from the early phases to the established disease and its complications. We analysed the diagnostic, prognostic, and management aspects of pSS, with a look into future clinical and research developments. The early phases of pSS, usually antedating diagnosis, allow us to investigate the pathophysiology and risk factors of the overt disease, thus allowing better and timely patient stratification. Salivary gland ultrasound (SGUS) is emerging as a valid complementary, or even alternative, tool for histopathology in the diagnosis of pSS, due to a standardised scoring system with good agreement and performance. Other promising innovations include the application of artificial intelligence to SGUS, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, and a wide array of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Stratifying pSS patients through the integration of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histopathological data; differentiating between activity-related and damage-related manifestations; and identifying patients at higher risk of lymphoma development are essential steps for an optimal management and individualised treatment approach. As new treatment options are emerging for both glandular and systemic manifestations, there is a need for a more reliable treatment response evaluation. pSS is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and many distinct aspects should be considered in the different stages of the disease and subsets of patients. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve our understanding of the disease, and certainly in the coming years, some of these novelties will become part of our routine clinical practice, thus improving the management of pSS patients.

ICOS Gene Polymorphisms (IVS1 + 173 T/C and c. 1624 C/T) in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients: Analysis of ICOS Expression

Background: Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, which affects exocrine glands. T cell activation is a trigger mechanism in the immune response. Hyperreactivity of T cells and antibody production are features in pSS. ICOS can be critical in the pathogenesis of pSS. Methods: A total of 134 pSS patients and 134 control subjects (CS) were included. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP. ICOS mRNA expression was quantified by real-time PCR, and CD4+ ICOS+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry. Results: The ICOS IVS1 + 173 T>C polymorphisms were not associated with susceptibility to pSS (p = 0.393, CI = 0.503−1.311). However, the c.1624 C>T polymorphism was associated with a reduction in the risk of development of pSS (p = 0.015, CI = 0.294−0.884). An increase in ICOS mRNA expression in patients was observed (3.7-fold). Furthermore, pSS patients showed an increase in membranal-ICOS expression (mICOS). High expression of mICOS (MFI) was associated with lymphocytic infiltration. Conclusions: The IVS1 + 173 polymorphism is not a genetic marker for the development of pSS, while c.1624 T allele was associated with a low risk. However, elevated mICOS expression in pSS patients with high lymphocytic infiltration was found. ICOS may have an important role in the immunopathogenesis of pSS and should be analyzed in T cell subsets in pSS patients as a possible disease marker.

Indications and risk factors for hospitalization in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome: experience from a tertiary center in Turkey

Objective

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the hospitalization reasons for patients diagnosed with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and potentially associated factors in a tertiary health center.

Method

One hundred and sixty-three pSS patients who regularly attended their follow-ups between January 2010 and May 2021 were included in the study. These patients’ reasons for hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, and numbers of presenting to the hospital were recorded. The demographic, clinical and serological characteristics of the hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients were compared.

Results

Hospitalization occurred in 22.7% of the patients, and the total number of hospitalizations was 79. The hospitalization incidence density rate was 6.21 per 100 patient-years. The most frequently encountered reason for hospitalizations was pSS-related organ involvement (44.3%). Infections (17.7%), malignancy (16.5%), endocrine, and various other reasons were the other indications for hospitalization. While male sex (p = 0.005), the presence of extra-glandular involvement (p < 0.001), and interstitial lung disease (p = 0.001) were more common in the hospitalized patients, anti-nuclear antibody positivity was less frequent (p = 0.032). The usage rate of hydroxychloroquine (p = 0.022) was lower in the hospitalized patients, whereas the use of glucocorticoids (p < 0.001) and azathioprine (p = 0.005) was more frequent. The multivariable analyses revealed a relationship between extra-glandular involvement (OR: 4.57 [1.05–19.84], p = 0.043), glucocorticoid use (OR: 3.23 [1.13–9.21], p = 0.028) and hospitalization.

Conclusion

pSS-related system involvement and infection accounted for the majority of hospitalizations of the pSS patients. The presence of extra-glandular involvement and glucocorticoid use were found to be associated with hospitalization.

Key Points • pSS-related system involvement and infection accounted for the majority of hospitalizations of pSS patients. • The presence of extra-glandular involvement was found to be associated with hospitalization.

Molecular Mechanism of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Regulating CD4+ Tissue Memory in situ T Cells in Primary Sjogren's Syndrome

Objective

Although extensive research has been carried out on CD4⁺T cells infiltrating the labial glands in patients with primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS), it is still unclear how CD4⁺T cells remain in the labial gland tissue and develop into tissue resident cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which CD4⁺T reside in labial glandular tissue of pSS patients.

Methods

Lymphocyte infiltration in labial salivary glands (LSG) of pSS patients was detected by H&E staining. Expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) in LSG was examined by Immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence analyses were utilized to detect the co-expression of CD4, CD69 and S1PR1 in T cells of LSG of pSS patients. Expression of gene S1pr1 in peripheral blood CD4⁺T cells of healthy controls and pSS patients was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR). QPCR was used to examine the expression of gene S1pr1, Klf2, and Cd69 in the CD4⁺T cells that were co-cultured in vitro with cytokines TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-33.

Results

S1PR1 was expressed in the infiltrating monocytes in LSG of pSS patients, and S1PR1 was weakly or even not expressed in cytoplasm of CD4⁺CD69⁺T_RM cells of LSG in patients with pSS. Expression of gene S1pr1 in peripheral blood CD4⁺T cells of pSS patients was about three-fifths of that of healthy controls (P < 0.05). Expression of genes S1pr1 (P < 0.001) and Klf-2 (P < 0.001) was significantly decreased, and the expression of gene Cd69 (P < 0.05) was significantly increased in peripheral blood CD4⁺T cells of pSS patients co-cultured in vitro with cytokines TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-33.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the decrease of S1pr1 gene expression may provide a molecular basis for promoting the tissue retention and development of CD4⁺CD69⁺T_RM cells.

Diagnostic performance of serology against histologic assessment to diagnose Sjogren's syndrome: a systematic review

The objective of this review was to assess and evaluate whether the published diagnostic accuracy studies provide evidence to sustain the current diagnostic guidelines put forth by ACR/EULAR used for patients with suspected Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Literature databases, including Medline, Embase, and EBM Reviews, were searched for relevant studies on the correlation between ACR/EULAR criteria, particularly those with a direct comparison between their accuracy in diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome. We followed Cochrane, QUADAS-2, and STARD guidelines and the four-phase flow diagram by the PRISMA Statement. Reports in several languages, but only human studies were considered. Three studies assessed the accuracy of the current diagnostic tests, and these did not present adequate designs that would allow a well-supported conclusion with a high level of certainty. Due to significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not performed. A qualitative review of the papers was undertaken. Neither the comparative nor the non-comparative study designs permit conclusive recommendations regarding an alternative diagnostic pathway for SS. Well-designed studies of the diagnostic accuracy of SS tests are needed to validate current guidelines or to suggest changes to the current guidelines.

IL-37 As a Potential Biotherapeutics of Inflammatory Diseases

Interleukin-37 (IL-37) was discovered as a new member of pro-inflammatory IL-1 superfamily. However, further studies suggested that IL-37 plays a critical anti-inflammatory role in innate and adaptive immunity. IL-37 may suppress the inflammatory process via intracellular SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) and extracellular IL-18 Receptor alpha (IL-18Rα) signaling pathway, respectively. Meanwhile, the abnormal expression of IL-37 was observed in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, asthma, and multiple sclerosis, which suggest IL-37 is a potential therapeutic target for these diseases. In this review, we summarize the anti-inflammatory mechanism of IL-37 and discuss the critical roles of IL-37 in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Further studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of IL-37 as a novel target for these inflammatory diseases.

Effectiveness of ultrasonography and shear wave sonoelastography in Sjögren syndrome with salivary gland involvement

Purpose

This study investigated the effectiveness of major salivary gland ultrasonography (MSGUS) using a new grading system and shear wave elastography (SWE) in evaluating the major salivary glands of patients with Sjögren syndrome (SjS).

Methods

This prospectively-designed cross-sectional study included 49 SjS patients and 49 healthy controls. Major salivary glands were examined with gray-scale ultrasonography and SWE. A new grading system for salivary glands was developed using MSGUS findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MSGUS and shear wave velocity (SWV) values were investigated. The MSGUS grading system and SWV values were evaluated together by logistic regression analysis. A cutoff value of SWE for salivary glands was determined.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MSGUS were 69.4%, 73.5%, 72.3%, and 70.6% for the submandibular gland and 69.4%, 65.3%, 66.7%, and 68.1% for the parotid gland, respectively. The mean SWV values of the parotid and submandibular glands were significantly higher in SjS patients than in controls (P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for the submandibular gland (cutoff, 1.95 m/s) and the parotid gland (cutoff, 2.39 m/s) were 69.4%, 52%, 59.1%, and 63% and 82.7%, 83.7%, 83.5%, and 82.8%, respectively. Adding SWE to the parotid gland grading system increased the sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity, 82.7%; specificity, 83.7%).

Conclusion

Evaluating the salivary glands using MSGUS with a new grading system and SWE may contribute to the diagnosis of SjS. The combination of MSGUS and SWE may be a promising tool for diagnosing SjS.

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis impaired in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Background

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a disease associated with the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress is one of the factors responsible for its etiopathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the thiol/disulphide homeostasis in pSS patients.

Methods

The study included 68 pSS patients and 69 healthy controls. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis (total thiol, native thiol, and disulphide levels) was measured using the automatic spectrophotometric method developed by Erel and Neselioglu, and the results of the 2 groups were compared.

Results

The gender and age distributions of the pSS and control groups were similar (P = 0.988 and P = 0.065). Total thiol and native thiol levels were lower in the pSS group than in the control group (470.08 ± 33.65 µmol/L vs. 528.21 ± 44.99 µmol/L, P < 0.001, and 439.14 ± 30.67 µmol/L vs. 497.56 ± 46.70 µmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in disulphide levels between groups [17.00 (range 0.70-217.0) µmol/L vs. 14.95 (range 2.10-40.10) µmol/L, P = 0.195].

Conclusions

It was concluded that the thiol/disulphide balance shifted towards disulphide in patients with pSS.

LAMP3 induces apoptosis and autoantigen release in Sjögren's syndrome patients

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of secretory epithelia with only palliative therapy. Patients present with a constellation of symptoms, and the diversity of symptomatic presentation has made it difficult to understand the underlying disease mechanisms. In this study, aggregation of unbiased transcriptome profiling data sets of minor salivary gland biopsies from controls and Sjögren's syndrome patients identified increased expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3/CD208/DC-LAMP) in a subset of Sjögren's syndrome cases. Stratification of patients based on their clinical characteristics suggested an association between increased LAMP3 expression and the presence of serum autoantibodies including anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, anti-nuclear antibodies. In vitro studies demonstrated that LAMP3 expression induces epithelial cell dysfunction leading to apoptosis. Interestingly, LAMP3 expression resulted in the accumulation and release of intracellular TRIM21 (one component of SSA), La (SSB), and α-fodrin protein, common autoantigens in Sjögren's syndrome, via extracellular vesicles in an apoptosis-independent mechanism. This study defines a clear role for LAMP3 in the initiation of apoptosis and an independent pathway for the extracellular release of known autoantigens leading to the formation of autoantibodies associated with this disease.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00001196, NCT00001390, NCT02327884.

Disease activity and damage in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome: Prognostic value of salivary gland ultrasonography

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between salivary ultrasonography (sUS) findings and disease activity and damage in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). We investigated the potential prognostic role of sUS as a tool in the assessment of disease activity.

METHODS

In 303 pSS patients, disease activity was assessed by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), the Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (SSDAI) and the Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Damage Index (SSDDI). The sUS parenchymal inhomogeneity (de Vita scoring system) was assessed in 303 pSS patients and 111 heathy controls. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off value of the pathological sUS score. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors for moderate and high disease activity.

RESULTS

A pathological sUS score ≥ 2 was recorded in 271 (89.7%) patients and 8 (8.6%) healthy controls. Patients with moderate and high ESSDAI and SSDAI scores had significantly higher US activity in comparison to that of pSS patients with low disease activity (p = 0.006; p = 0.01, respectively). Additionally, pSS patients with moderate and high SSDDI scores had higher US activity (p = 0.031). Pathological sUS correlated with the glandular domain within the ESSDAI and SSDDI (p<0.001). The patients with a severe US score (5-6) had a 3.5 times greater chance of having moderate or high disease activity. The specificity of the severe de Vita sUS score for ESSDAI and SSDAI was 85.1% and 85.2%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity of a severe de Vita sUS score for ESSDAI was low, at 29.2%, while the sensitivity for the SSDAI was higher, 42.3%. In the analysis of disease activity, a de Vita score ≥ 5 could be used as a risk factor for moderate and high ESSDAI (p = 0.042) and SSDAI (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Pathological salivary gland ultrasonography is associated with high disease activity and damage in pSS. Consequently, sUS abnormalities might be surrogate items for glandular domains in the assessment of disease activity and damage. Thus, ultrasonography of the salivary gland combined with clinical and serological markers might be part of the next prognostic and therapeutic algorithm in the near future.

B cell dysregulation in primary Sjögren's syndrome: A review

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology and is characterized by progressive focal lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands. Comparison of B cell subsets from the peripheral blood and salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome and those from healthy individuals shows dysregulation and derangement of B cell subsets in both peripheral circulation and in inflamed glandular tissues. This dysregulation is expressed as a decrease in the percentage of CD27+ memory B cells in peripheral blood and an increase in the CD27+ memory B cells in the affected glands. Further, the overall percentage of long-lived autoantibodies-producing plasma cells within the affected glands is increased. In the last two decades, several studies have shown growing evidences that B cells play multiple roles in primary Sjögren’s syndrome pathophysiology, and that dysregulation of these cells may actually play a central role in the disease development.

Impact of sleep quality on clinical features of primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the inf luence of poor sleep quality on clinical features of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

METHODS

Sleep quality was cross-sectionally assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from 115 Korean patients with pSS. The patients completed questionnaires on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) SS Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), quality of life (EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire [EQ-5D]), fatigue (fatigue severity score [FSS]), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] II]). Symptoms and patient global assessment (PGA) were evaluated with a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The EULAR sicca score (ESS), ESSPRI, and EULAR SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) were calculated at study enrollment.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (46.1%) had poor sleep quality and 32.4% of 71 patients without depression were poor sleepers. Poor sleepers had a significantly lower EQ-5D or ESSDAI and a significantly higher FSS, BDI-II, PGA, ESS, ESSPRI, or VAS scores for extra-glandular symptoms than good sleepers. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher and immunoglobulin G levels tended to decrease in poor sleepers. Additionally, PSQI was negatively correlated with EQ-5D and ESSDAI and positively with ESS, FSS, BDI-II, PGA, VAS scores for their symptoms, and ESSPRI. Multivariate analysis revealed that poor sleep quality remained the independent determinants of the unsatisfactory symptom state (ESSPRI ≥ 5).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that poor sleep quality could significantly affect the patient-oriented outcomes and physician-reported activity index of pSS patients through the various effects of sleep quality on the psychological or somatic symptoms and the immune system.

The findings of musculoskeletal ultrasonography on primary Sjögren's syndrome patients in childhood with articular manifestations and the impact of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody

Objective: We researched the findings of musculoskeletal ultrasound sonography (MSUS) on primary Sjogren's syndrome in childhood (pSS-C) with articular manifestations. The correlation of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) were investigated to evaluate the usefulness of MSUS on their articular prognosis. Method: The objective patients are pSS-C cases who visited our hospital complaining joint pain and/or joint swelling and for whom MSUS was performed. Result: Eight patients included 6 female and 2 male, 5 RF-positive patients and 3 ACPA- positive patients. The mean age of onset was 11.1 ± 3.0 years (352 physical joint findings and 284 MSUS findings. The number of joints found clinical articular manifestations was 58/352 joints, and arthritis detected by MSUS was 30/284 joints). In multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of clinical articular manifestations was significant high in RF-positivity (2.9, 95%CI 1.5-6.2). The odds ratio of arthritis detected by MSUS in ACPA-positivity was significant high (3.7, 95%CI 1.5-11.6), although odds ratio in RF-positivity had no statistical significance and a similar trend was seen in odds ratios of subclinical arthritis (4.9, 95%CI 1.6-18.0). Conclusion: It was indicated that MSUS is useful for pSS-C. ACPA-positive pSS-C patients have arthritis and subclinical arthritis more frequently than ACPA-negative patients.

Patients with chronic periodontitis present increased risk for primary Sjögren syndrome: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Many reports have mentioned the association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). However, no cohort study has been performed for the risk of pSS in patients with CP. In this study, we evaluated the risk of pSS from CP exposure in a nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan. We studied the claims data of Taiwanese population from 2001 to 2012. We identified 76,765 patients with CP from the National Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. We also selected 76,765 controls that were randomly frequency matched by age, sex, and index year from the general population. We analyzed the risk of pSS by using Cox proportional hazards regression models including sex, age, and comorbidities. In this study, 76,765 patients with CP (mean age: 40.8 years) and 76,765 controls (mean age: 41.0 years) were followed-up for 8.54 and 8.49 years, respectively. A total of 869 cases of pSS were identified in CP cohort and 483 cases in non-CP cohort. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the incidence rate of pSS was significantly higher in CP cohort than those who in non-CP cohort (adjusted HR: 1.79, 95% CI [1.60–2.00]). Taken together, this nationwide retrospective cohort study demonstrated that the risk of pSS was significantly higher in patients with CP than in the general population. The association between CP and pSS was significant in the female group.

Elastographic ultrasound: an additional image tool in Sjögren's syndrome

AIM

To evaluate the stiffness of parotid and submandibular glands using elastography ultrasound and to correlate it with B-mode ultrasonographical, clinical and serological features, salivary profibrotic and inflammatory chemokines, and salivary gland fibrosis.

METHODS

We performed B-mode and elastography ultrasound of major salivary glands of 26 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. We registered the shear wave velocity (SWV) and correlated it with the morphologic ultrasonographic changes assessed by the Hocevar scale. We assessed the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), non-stimulated whole salivary flow rate (NSWSF), C3 and C4 levels, anti-Ro/La antibodies, salivary inflammatory (C-X-C motif ligand 13 [CXCL13], CXCL10, CXCL8, C-C motif ligand 2 [CCL2], interleukin 10 [IL-10] and IL-6) and pro-fibrotic (CXCL14, CCL28, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and transforming growth factor β) chemokines and cytokines and evaluated the presence of fibrosis in the minor salivary gland.

RESULTS

Ninety-two percent of patients were women; mean age was 51.1 ± 11 years; median disease duration was 6.1 years; 92.3% had oral symptoms and 26.9% fibrosis. The median B-mode score was 22.2 points and the median SWV 2.5 m/s (τ = 0.53, P = 0.001). The SWV correlated with the NSWSF (τ = -0.53, P = 0.001), ESSDAI (τ = 0.31, P = 0.03), glandular ESDDAI domain (τ = 0.36, P = 0.02), C4 levels (τ = -0.32, P = 0.04), salivary CXCL13 (τ = 0.29, P = 0.03) and CXCL10 (τ = 0.30, P = 0.003), but not with age and fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

WV correlated with the B-mode ultrasound score, systemic and glandular activity and in a large degree with CXCL10, an inflammatory chemokine, but not with fibrosis. An increased SWV might represent chronic glandular inflammation rather than fibrotic changes in these patients.

Investigation of three potential autoantibodies in Sjogren's syndrome and associated MALT lymphoma

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease which might progress to mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (pSS/MALT). Diagnosis of pSS requires an invasive tissue biopsy and a delay in diagnosis of pSS has been frequently reported. In this study, four proteins including cofilin-1, alpha-enolase, annexin A2 and Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2 (RGI2) were found to be over-expressed in pSS and pSS/MALT by 2D gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry, and the finding was verified by the microarray analysis and western blotting results. We then developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for autoantibodies including anti-cofilin-1, anti-alpha-enolase and anti-RGI2 with good quantitative ability. The expression levels of salivary anti-cofilin-1, anti-alpha-enolase and anti-RGI2 were found to be the highest in pSS/MALT patients and lowest in healthy controls. The combination of these three antiantibodies yielded an “area under the curve” (AUC) value of 0.94 with an 86% sensitivity and 93% specificity in distinguishing patients with pSS from healthy controls, an AUC value of 0.99 with a 95% sensitivity and 94% specificity in distinguishing patients with pSS/MALT from healthy controls and an AUC value of 0.86 with a 75% sensitivity and 94% specificity in distinguishing pSS/MALT patients from pSS patients. Collectively, we have successfully identified a panel of potential autoantigens that are progressively up-regulated during the development of pSS and its progression to MALT lymphoma. The autoantibody biomarkers may be used to help diagnose pSS and predict its progression to MALT lymphoma.

Reduced myofilament component in primary Sjögren's syndrome salivary gland myoepithelial cells

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a solitary poorly understood autoimmune inflammatory disease by involvement of the salivary and lacrimal glands resulting in dry mouth and dry eyes. Myoepithelial cells (MECs) are cells knowing for its hybrid epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype that are important components of the salivary gland (SGs) structure aiding the expulsion of saliva from acinar lobules. In this study we investigate possible alteration in the myofilament component of MECs in SGs specimens obtained from pSS patients in comparison with healthy subjects, to evaluate MECs hypothetical involvement in the pathogenesis of pSS. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and p63, as MECs markers, was evaluated in bioptic specimens from pSS and healthy labial SGs through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses; the distribution of MECs markers was quantified using Aperio ScanScope and ImageScope software to provide quantitative assessments of staining levels. Our observations demonstrated that p63 nuclear labeling in pSS MECs is preserved whereas α-SMA cytoplasmic staining is strongly and significantly reduced when compared with healthy SGs; the digital images analysis quantification of the expression of labeled α-SMA and p63 protein in the healthy and pSS MECs salivary tissues, led to results suggesting a loss of mechanical support for acini and ducts in pSS, correlated, probably, with the reduction of salivary flow that features one important aspect of pSS disease.

Primary Sjogren's syndrome and the risk of acute pancreatitis: a nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Studies on the risk of acute pancreatitis in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) are limited. We evaluated the effects of pSS on the risk of acute pancreatitis in a nationwide, population-based cohort in Taiwan.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

We studied the claims data of the >97% Taiwan population from 2002 to 2012.

PARTICIPANTS

We identified 9468 patients with pSS by using the catastrophic illness registry of the National Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. We also selected 37 872 controls that were randomly frequency matched by age (in 5 year bands), sex and index year from the general population.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

We analysed the risk of acute pancreatitis by using Cox proportional hazards regression models including sex, age and comorbidities.

RESULTS

From 23.74 million people in the cohort, 9468 patients with pSS (87% women, mean age=55.6 years) and 37 872 controls were followed-up for 4.64 and 4.74 years, respectively. A total of 44 cases of acute pancreatitis were identified in the pSS cohort versus 105 cases in the non-pSS cohort. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the incidence rate of acute pancreatitis was significantly higher in the pSS cohort than in the non-pSS cohort (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.48, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.12). Cyclophosphamide use increased the risk of acute pancreatitis (aHR 5.27, 95% CI 1.16 to 23.86). By contrast, hydroxychloroquine reduced the risk of acute pancreatitis (aHR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.55).

CONCLUSION

This nationwide, retrospective cohort study demonstrated that the risk of acute pancreatitis was significantly higher in patients with pSS than in the general population.

HIF1A (rs11549465) and AKNA (rs10817595) Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Objective. To evaluate the allele and genotype frequencies of polymorphic sites of HIF1A and ANKA genes in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods. We included 110 patients with pSS and 141 ethnically matched healthy controls. Three HIF1A gene polymorphisms (Pro582Ser, Ala588Thr, and C191T) and two AKNA gene polymorphisms (−1372C>A and Pro624Leu) were genotyped using TaqMan probes in a Real-Time PCR instrument. Associations between pSS and genotypes, alleles, and inheritance models of the SNPs of interest were evaluated by logistic regression adjusted by age and gender. Results. The C/T genotype and the T allele of the HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism protected against pSS (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.09–0.52; P < 0.01; OR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.12–0.58; P < 0.01, resp.), whereas under a recessive model adjusted by age and gender, the AKNA −1372C>A polymorphism A/A genotype was associated with an increased risk of pSS (OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.11–6.12; P = 0.03). Conclusions. We identified HIF1A Pro582Ser T allele and C/T genotype as well as AKNA −1372C>A polymorphism A/A genotype as genetic factors associated with pSS. Further studies in other populations are needed to validate our findings and research is warranted in order to shed some light on their functional implications across biological pathways in this disease.

Identification of disease-specific motifs in the antibody specificity repertoire via next-generation sequencing

Disease-specific antibodies can serve as highly effective biomarkers but have been identified for only a relatively small number of autoimmune diseases. A method was developed to identify disease-specific binding motifs through integration of bacterial display peptide library screening, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and computational analysis. Antibody specificity repertoires were determined by identifying bound peptide library members for each specimen using cell sorting and performing NGS. A computational algorithm, termed Identifying Motifs Using Next- generation sequencing Experiments (IMUNE), was developed and applied to discover disease- and healthy control-specific motifs. IMUNE performs comprehensive pattern searches, identifies patterns statistically enriched in the disease or control groups and clusters the patterns to generate motifs. Using celiac disease sera as a discovery set, IMUNE identified a consensus motif (QPEQPF[PS]E) with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in a validation sera set, in addition to novel motifs. Peptide display and sequencing (Display-Seq) coupled with IMUNE analysis may thus be useful to characterize antibody repertoires and identify disease-specific antibody epitopes and biomarkers.

How hepatitis C virus modifies the immunological profile of Sjögren syndrome: analysis of 783 patients

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a study to analyze how infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) may influence the immunological serum pattern of patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS).

METHODS

Since 1994, we have tested serum HCV-IgG antibodies in 783 patients with SS diagnosed according to the 1993 European classification criteria. The immunological profile at diagnosis was compared according to the presence or absence of HCV.

RESULTS

Of the 783 patients with SS, 105 (13.4 %) tested positive for HCV-IgG antibodies (88 females, 17 males, mean age at SS diagnosis: 62.9 years). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with SS-HCV had a higher mean age and a higher frequency of low C3/C4 levels, cryoglobulins, and hematological neoplasia compared with patients without HCV. The frequency of anti-La antibodies compared with anti-Ro antibodies was higher in patients with SS-HCV (17 % vs. 15 %) and lower in patients without HCV infection (30 % vs. 43 %). The frequency of concomitant detection of the three main cryoglobulin-related markers (cryoglobulins, rheumatoid factor activity, and C4 consumption) was threefold higher in patients with SS-HCV compared with patients without HCV. SS-HCV patients with genotype 1b showed the highest frequencies of immunological abnormalities related to cryoglobulins and the lowest frequencies of anti-Ro/La antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

We found HCV infection in 13 % of a large series of Spanish patients with SS. The HCV-driven autoimmune response was characterized by a lower frequency of anti-Ro/La antibodies, an abnormal predominance of anti-La among anti-Ro antibodies, and a higher frequency of cryoglobulinemic-related immunological markers in comparison with patients without HCV infection. This immunological pattern may contribute to the poor outcomes found in patients with SS-HCV.

Antibody-secreting cell specificity in labial salivary glands reflects the clinical presentation and serology in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The serologic hallmark of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is the presence of IgG antibodies specific for Ro (SSA) and La (SSB). The molecular characteristics of gland-derived B cells at the site of primary SS inflammation have been described previously; however, parallels between glandular antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) and serologic antibody specificities have not been evaluated. We used recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology to study the specificities of salivary gland (SG)-derived ASCs, evaluate their molecular characteristics, and identify IgG antibody specificity.

METHODS

Human antibodies were generated from glandular IgG ASCs. Heavy chain and light chain use and immunoglobulin subclass were analyzed by sequencing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassay, and (35) S-labeled protein immunoprecipitation analysis were used to determine antibody specificity.

RESULTS

Evaluation of single ASCs in SG biopsy specimens from a patient with primary SS and a patient with SS and overlapping systemic lupus erythematosus revealed significant concordance between serum autoantibody and glandular ASC specificities. Gland-derived ASC heavy chains and light chains were extensively somatically hypermutated, which is indicative of antigen-driven responses. Specifically, we produced the first fully human mAb derived from SGs.

CONCLUSION

In patients with SS, the SGs are a site for the production of antibodies that extend beyond the canonical Ro and/or La SS specificities. Glandular antibody production strongly reflected the serologic humoral response in the 2 patients whom we studied.

Etiopathogenic Role of Surfactant Protein D in the Clinical and Immunological Expression of Primary Sjögren Syndrome

Objective.

To analyze the etiopathogenic role of genetic polymorphisms and serum levels of surfactant protein-D (SP-D) in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS).

Methods.

We analyzed 210 consecutive patients with pSS.SFTPDgenotyping (M11T polymorphism rs721917) was analyzed by sequence-based typing and serum SP-D by ELISA.

Results.

Thirty-two patients (15%) had the Thr11/Thr11 genotype, 80 (38%) the Met11/Met11 genotype, and 96 (46%) the Met11/Thr11 genotype; 2 patients could not be genotyped. Patients carrying the Thr11/Thr11 genotype had a higher prevalence of renal involvement (13% vs 1% and 4% in comparison with patients carrying the other genotypes, p = 0.014). Serum SP-D levels were analyzed in 119 patients (mean 733.94 ± 49.88 ng/ml). No significant association was found between serum SP-D levels and the SP-D genotypes. Higher mean values of serum SP-D were observed in patients with severe scintigraphic involvement (851.10 ± 685.69 vs 636.07 ± 315.93 ng/ml, p = 0.038), interstitial pulmonary disease (1053.60 ± 852.03 vs 700.36 ± 479.33 ng/ml, p = 0.029), renal involvement (1880.64 ± 1842.79 vs 716.42 ± 488.01 ng/ml, p = 0.002), leukopenia (899.83 ± 661.71 vs 673.13 ± 465.88 ng/ml, p = 0.038), positive anti-Ro/SS-A (927.26 ± 731.29 vs 642.75 ± 377.23 ng/ml, p = 0.006), and positive anti-La/SS-B (933.28 ± 689.63 vs 650.41 ± 428.14 ng/ml, p = 0.007), while lower mean values of serum SP-D were observed in patients with bronchiectasis (489.49 vs 788.81 ng/ml, p = 0.019).

Conclusion.

In pSS, high SP-D levels were found in patients with severe glandular involvement, hypergammaglobulinemia, leukopenia, extraglandular manifestations, and positive anti-Ro/La antibodies. The specific association between SP-D levels and pulmonary and renal involvements may have pathophysiological implications.

A chimeric human-mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome

Despite recent advances in the understanding of Sjögren's Syndrome (SjS), the pathogenic mechanisms remain elusive and an ideal model for early drug discovery is not yet available. To establish a humanized mouse model of SjS, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers or patients with SjS were transferred into immunodeficient NOD-scid IL-2rγ(null) mouse recipients to produce chimeric mice. While no difference was observed in the distribution of cells, chimeric mice transferred with PBMCs from SjS patients produced enhanced cytokine levels, most significantly IFN-γ and IL-10. Histological examination revealed enhanced inflammatory responses in the lacrimal and salivary glands of SjS chimeras, as measured by digital image analysis and blinded histopathological scoring. Infiltrates were primarily CD4+, with minimal detection of CD8+ T-cells and B-cells. These results demonstrate a novel chimeric mouse model of human SjS that provides a unique in vivo environment to test experimental therapeutics and investigate T-cell disease pathology.

Th1 and Th2 polymorphisms in Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Sjogren's syndrome is characterized by T-cell infiltration of exocrine glands leading to parenchymal destruction and impaired glandular function. This process is orchestrated by cytokines, whose secretion can be regulated by genetic polymorphisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of interleukin-6 -174G/C, interleukin-10 -1082G/A, tumor necrosis factor-α -308G/A, interferon-γ +874A/T gene polymorphisms in (RA) and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS). A study sample that comprised of 138 Brazilian patients was divided into three groups: RA (n = 66), sSS (n = 20), and healthy controls - C (n = 52). Patients were subjected to Schirmer's test, unstimulated salivary flow rate, biopsy of minor salivary glands, and serological tests for diagnosing SS. Genomic DNA was obtained from saliva samples and submitted to genotyping. The association between genotypes/alelle frequency and SS susceptibility was tested, as well as their association with clinical features of SS.

RESULTS

Tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα)-308GA polymorphisms differed significantly between AR, SS, and C patients (P = 0.008). IL-6 overall G carriers and TNFα A carriers had a higher risk of presenting SS (P = 0.021). IL-6 polymorphism distribution was also distinctive regarding lymphocytic infiltration at the minor salivary glands (P = 0.026) and Schirmer's test (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IL-6 -174GC and TNFα-308GA gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SS. Additionally, IL-6 polymorphism could influence lymphocytic infiltration of salivary glands and diminish lachrymal gland function.

Relationship between retinal morphological findings and autoantibody profile in primary Sjögren's syndrome

PURPOSE

To investigate the morphological changes of the retina measured with the Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

METHODS

One hundred ninety six eyes of 196 patients with pSS and 200 eyes of 200 age and sex-matched normal controls were enrolled. Patients with pSS were divided into four subgroups based on their presence of autoantibodies (antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-Ro/SSA, and anti-La/SSB). Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness, and optic nerve head parameters were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, a significant decrease was observed in the average, inferior, and temporal thicknesses of pRNFL and in the minimum, superotemporal, inferonasal, inferior, and inferotemporal thicknesses of mGCIPL of eyes with pSS (all P < 0.05). In subgroup analyses, all eyes with positive tested autoantibodies [ANA(+), anti-Ro/SSA(+), anti-La/SSB(+)] showed a significant decrease of mGCIPL thicknesses, except for the superonasal portion, compared with eyes with any positivity for autoantibody (all P < 0.05). There was a negative linear relationship between the number of positive autoantibodies and average and inferior pRNFL thicknesses or all mGCIPL parameters, except for the superonasal portion, with a Spearman correlation analysis in patients with pSS (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with controls, eyes with pSS showed thinning of pRNFL and mGCIPL thicknesses. The degree of thinning correlated with increased numbers of the positive autoantibody.

If Neurologists Establish The Diagnosis of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome?

INTRODUCTION

Neurological involvements were shown in 20% of patients with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS). Neurological symptoms may be the first signs of pSS in 57% of the cases. In addition, early diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders may save or improve the quality of life of these cases. There have been reports about the neurologic manifestations of pSS but little is known about the details of neurologically presented cases.

METHOD

In this study, we described 11 pSS patients who presented with neurological manifestations.

RESULTS

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement was recorded in 7 (63.7%) and peripheric nervous system (PNS) involvement in 4 cases (36.4%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings regarding the cases with neurological manifestations leading to the diagnosis of pSS suggest that: 1) The frequency of CNS involvement was higher than that of PNS, and the most frequent clinical pictures of CNS involvement are Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-like illnesses and optic neuritis, 2) Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) was the most frequent disease of PNS involvement; 3) Mononeuropathy multiplex (MM) might be the first sign of pSS; 4) Neurologists should consider pSS in the differential diagnosis of cases with MS, optic neuritis, GBS and neuropathies of unknown causes including MM; 5) There is an urgent need of therapeutical guidelines for the cases with neurological involvement associated with pSS.

Pseudotumoral brain lesion as the presenting feature of primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

The frequency and type of central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) remain controversial. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in pSS are usually discrete hyperintense areas in the white matter. Tumefactive brain lesions have been rarely reported.

CASE REPORT

We describe a 31-year-old woman who exhibited transcortical motor aphasia, hemiparesis and partial motor seizures as the initial manifestation of pSS. Brain MRI revealed a large frontoparietal lesion extending into the corpus callosum. The patient had spontaneous recovery and developed sicca symptoms 6 months after onset. Primary SS was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, abnormal Schirmer test findings, high levels of anti-La/SSB antibodies and positive salivary gland biopsy results.

CONCLUSION

The present case suggests that a pseudotumoral brain lesion can occur as an initial symptom of pSS.

Changes in Rab3D expression and distribution in the acini of Sjögren's syndrome patients are associated with loss of cell polarity and secretory dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Oral and ocular dryness are frequent and serious symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) that reflect problems in secretion due to glandular dysfunction. Exocytosis, an important process in the secretory pathway, requires the participation of Rab family GTPases. This study was undertaken to analyze the expression and localization of Rab3D and Rab8A and to examine their correlation with acinar cell polarity and glandular secretory function.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with SS and 17 controls were evaluated. Levels of Rab3D and Rab8A messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Subcellular localization of proteins was determined by indirect immunofluorescence analysis.

RESULTS

In patients with SS, total Rab3D protein levels decreased significantly, while mRNA levels remained unchanged. For Rab8A, no changes in either mRNA or protein levels were detected. In serous acini of labial salivary glands from patients with SS, the following 4 patterns of Rab3D staining were distinguishable: severely decreased, distribution throughout the cytoplasm, distribution throughout the cytoplasm combined with loss of nuclear polarity, and normal apical localization. Basal localization of Rab8A was not modified. Rab3D changes were accompanied by apicobasolateral redistribution of ezrin, loss of nuclear polarity, thicker Golgi stacks, and mucin 7 accumulation in the cytoplasm. Finally, low Rab3D protein levels correlated with alterations in scintigraphy measurements.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that Rab3D regulates the exocytosis of many components critical for the maintenance of oral physiology. Hence, the changes observed in Rab3D expression and distribution are likely to contribute to the decrease in or loss of saliva components (i.e., mucins), which may explain the variety of oral and ocular symptoms associated with SS.

Clinimetric methods in Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Clinimetric tools are useful in both clinical practice and research of Sjögren's syndrome. These instruments assist in the establishment of diagnosis and in the evaluation of disease status. We reviewed the available methods used to monitor sicca signs and symptoms, fatigue, quality of life as well as activity/chronicity in SS.

METHODS

PubMed and MEDLINE database were searched for the keywords "keratoconjunctivitis sicca diagnosis," "dry eye and dry mouth assessment," "sialometry," "sialochemistry," "Sjögren's syndrome outcomes," "Sjögren's syndrome activity," "Sjögren's syndrome damage," "fatigue scales in Sjögren's syndrome," and "Sjögren's syndrome quality of life." All relevant articles and pertinent secondary references were reviewed.

RESULTS

As there is a moderate correlation between sicca symptoms and signs, the assessment of both is crucial. Most of the tests focus on oral and ocular dryness (vital dye staining, tear quantification, tear composition, sialometry, sialochemistry, etc.) and may not be disease specific. Symptoms such as dryness and fatigue have been evaluated with different instruments, being the PROFAD and ESSPRI disease-specific tools. Standardized measures for activity (SSDAI, SCAI, and ESSDAI) and chronicity (SSDDI and SSDI) indexes are currently used, however these methods still present limitations such as low external validity and cross-validation.

CONCLUSION

The heterogeneous nature of the disease and its slow progression, challenge the evaluation of these patients. The use of composite measures might increase our ability to diagnose and evaluate disease activity and cumulative irreversible organ injury in this disease. However the distinction among oral and ocular activity vs. damage is still a matter of research.

Cerebellar degeneration associated with Sjögren's syndrome

Background

Neurologic manifestations of primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) have been reported to vary from sensory polyneuropathy to encephalopathy or psychiatric problems. However, marked cerebellar degeneration associated with PSS has rarely been reported.

Case Report

We describe a patient with Sjögren's syndrome who exhibited rapidly progressive cerebellar ataxia, nystagmus, cognitive decline, and psychiatric problems. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed marked atrophy of the cerebellum, and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography demonstrated glucose hypometabolism of the cerebellum.

Conclusions

Our PSS patient exhibited a progressive course of cerebellar syndrome, as evidenced by cerebellar atrophy on serial brain images.

Activation of the alternative NFκB pathway improves disease symptoms in a model of Sjogren's syndrome

The purpose of our study was to understand if Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation could contribute to the control of inflammation in Sjogren's syndrome. To this end, we manipulated TLR9 signaling in non-obese diabetic (NOD) and TLR9^−/− mice using agonistic CpG oligonucleotide aptamers, TLR9 inhibitors, and the in-house oligonucleotide BL-7040. We then measured salivation, inflammatory response markers, and expression of proteins downstream to NF-κB activation pathways. Finally, we labeled proteins of interest in salivary gland biopsies from Sjogren's syndrome patients, compared to Sicca syndrome controls. We show that in NOD mice BL-7040 activates TLR9 to induce an alternative NF-κB activation mode resulting in increased salivation, elevated anti-inflammatory response in salivary glands, and reduced peripheral AChE activity. These effects were more prominent and also suppressible by TLR9 inhibitors in NOD mice, but TLR9^−/− mice were resistant to the salivation-promoting effects of CpG oligonucleotides and BL-7040. Last, salivary glands from Sjogren's disease patients showed increased inflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory biomarkers, in addition to decreased levels of alternative NF-κB pathway proteins. In summary, we have demonstrated that activation of TLR9 by BL-7040 leads to non-canonical activation of NF-κB, promoting salivary functioning and down-regulating inflammation. We propose that BL-7040 could be beneficial in treating Sjogren's syndrome and may be applicable to additional autoimmune syndromes.

Decreased salivary sulphotransferase activity correlated with inflammation and autoimmunity parameters in Sjogren's syndrome patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the expression and enzymatic activities of sulphotransferases involved in mucin hyposulphation in labial salivary glands (LSGs) from SS patients and to correlate sulphotransferase activity with clinical parameters such as secretion, inflammation and serology.

METHODS

LSG from 31 SS patients and 31 control subjects were studied. Relative mRNA and protein levels of Gal3-O-sulphotransferases (Gal3STs) and β1,3-galactosyltransferase-5 (β3GalT5) were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Enzymatic activities were quantified using radioactively labelled donor substrates and specific acceptor substrates. Products were purified by chromatography. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to compare data.

RESULTS

The levels of Gal3ST activity were significantly decreased in SS patients, without changes in mRNA and protein levels, while the enzymatic activities of glycosyltransferases involved in mucin glycosylation were similar in both groups. An inverse correlation was observed between Gal3ST activity and glandular function measured by scintigraphy, but not with unstimulated salivary flow. Gal3ST activity was inversely correlated with focus score, TNF-α levels and presence of the autoantibodies Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B.

CONCLUSION

The decrease in sulphotransferase activity provides an explanation for mucin hyposulphation observed in the LSGs from SS patients. The decrease in Gal3STs activity was not a consequence of reduced gene expression, but probably due to alterations in the enzyme activity regulation. Interestingly, the levels of sulphotransferase activity detected correlated well with secretory function, inflammation and serology. Finally, we postulate that pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by autoantibodies, such as Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B in SS patients, may modulate Gal3ST activity, thereby altering mucin quality and leading to mouth dryness.

An autoimmunized mouse model recapitulates key features in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome

The pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is poorly understood. To evaluate an autoimmunization-induced experimental SS model, we firstly observed the phenotype of lymphocyte infiltration in the enlarged submandibular gland (SG). Furthermore, significant activation of caspase-3 and a high ratio of Bax-to-Bcl-2 were detected, indicating the inflammatory apoptosis associated with developmental foci. Meanwhile, the dysregulated cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression, were found to be over-expressed. A progressive decrease of aquaporin 5 and its subcellular translocation from apical to basal membrane in SG was found to be associated with the abnormally expressed M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. This pattern was found to be similar to that seen in human SS and possibly contributed to the saliva secretion deficiency. Thus, this autoimmunization-induced model recapitulates the key features of human SS and may have potential for studying the pathogenesis of human SS.

[Sjögren's syndrome and pancreatic affection]

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting primarily the exocrine glands, leading to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and xerostomia, but that can also include extraglandular features(1). Due the anatomical, physiological and pathological similarity between the pancreas and the salivary glands, it has been described that the pancreas it is not exempt from the damage produced by this syndrome. Some authors have assessed pancreatic involvement of SS by analyzing the histopathological changes, evaluating the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function (serum pancreatic enzymes, elastase, lipase or trypsin determinations, N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-para-aminobenzoic acid excretion test, etc), searching specific pancreatic antibodies (antiductal) or performing endoscopic retrograde colangiopancreatography or noninvasive imaging studies such as computed tomography or ultrasound. Herein we review the literature regarding the prevalence and type of pancreatic involvement in the SS and we discuss the differential diagnosis with multiorganic Lymphoproliferative Syndrome.

Chemokine saliva levels in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, associated Sjögren's syndrome, pre-clinical Sjögren's syndrome and systemic autoimmune diseases

OBJECTIVE

To assess the saliva levels of CXCL13, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL3, CXCL12 and CCL5 in patients with primary SS (pSS), patients with associated SS (aSS), patients with systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) without SS, pre-clinical SS and healthy controls.

METHODS

We included 44 patients with pSS (Group A), 30 with aSS (Group B), 49 with SAD without SS (Group C), 14 patients with SAD and focal lip infiltrates, but who do not fulfil SS criteria (Group D, pre-clinical SS) and 32 healthy controls (Group E). Saliva samples were collected and analysed for chemokine levels by luminometry. We used descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskall-Wallis test.

RESULTS

All the studied chemokines were found at low concentration in controls with the exception of CCL2. Patients with pSS had higher levels CXCL10 and CCL2 than controls (P = 0.05). However, they had similar levels of CXCL13, CCL5, CXCL12, CCL2 and CXCL10 than patients with aSS and SAD without SS. Patients with pre-clinical SS had higher levels of CXCL10 than patients with pSS (P = 0.03), aSS (P = 0.04) and controls (P = 0.001). CCL2 levels were higher in all patients with an autoimmune background when compared with controls (P < 0.05 for each comparison).

CONCLUSION

We found no difference in salivary chemokines between patients neither with pSS or aSS nor in patients with SAD. CCL2 and CXCL10 were increased in all patients with an autoimmune background. CXCL10 was notably increased in pre-clinical SS, suggesting it could be an early inflammatory salivary biomarker.