Researchers identify potential pSS salivary dysfunction biomarkers

Researchers appear to have identified novel serum proteins that may serve as biomarkers for salivary dysfunction in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, according to recently presented study data.

A comprehensive, high throughput proteomics assay was used to measure protein concentrations from 30 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), 30 patients with untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 30 healthy control participants. The uptake excretion rate of the parotid gland and submandibular gland were measured by 99m Tc scintigraphy and Greenspan’s grade score to determine glandular dysfunction.

Overall, 1,128 serum proteins were identified. The researchers screened differentially upregulated and downregulated proteins across the three groups of participants and identified 55 proteins through statistical means. Glandular dysfunction was identified by analyzing the correlation between protein levels and scintigraphy data or through lip biopsy in patients with pSS. The association with 55 upregulated proteins in samples from patients with pSS and intake and excretion rates were calculated.

Analysis showed LAG3, TNF-R2, LKHA4, MMP-12, granzyme A, 2-microglobulin, HCG and PF-4 were negatively correlated with the intake and excretion rates based on salivary gland scintigraphy. Greenspan’s grade correlated positively with 2-microglobulin, MCP-3, EPHB2, CCL28, and TRAIL-R4 in patients with pSS.

“We successfully identified novel serum proteins associated with salivary dysfunction of pSS,” the researchers wrote. “These proteins may be potential therapeutic targets for salivary dysfunction.” – by Shirley Pulawski

Reference:

Nishikawa A, et al. Paper #2797. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting; Nov. 7-11, 2015; San Francisco.

Disclosure: Nishikawa reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.