Correction: Potential involvement of IL-22 and IL-22-producing cells in the inflamed salivary glands of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome

The interferon (IFN) signature, namely the overexpression of IFN-inducible genes is a crucial aspect in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The IFN-inducible IFI16 protein, normally expressed in cell nuclei, may be overexpressed, mislocalized in the cytoplasm and secreted in the extracellular milieu in several autoimmune disorders including pSS. This leads to tolerance breaking to this self-protein and development of anti-IFI16 antibodies. The aim of this study was to identify pathogenic and clinical significance of IFI16 and anti-IFI16 autoantibodies in pSS. IFI16 and anti-IFI16 were assessed in the serum of 30 pSS patients and one-hundred healthy donors (HD) by ELISA. IFI16 was also evaluated in 5 minor salivary glands (MSGs) of pSS patients and 5 MSGs of non-pSS patients with sicca symptoms by immunohistochemistry. Normal MSGs do not constitutively express IFI16. Conversely, in pSS-MSGs a marked expression and cytoplasmic mislocalization of IFI16 by epithelial cells was observed with infiltrations in lymphocytes and peri/ intra-lesional endothelium. pSS patients display higher serum levels of both IFI16 and anti-IFI16 autoantibodies compared to HD. Our data suggest that IFI16 protein may be involved in the initiation and perpetuation of glandular inflammation occurring in pSS.

Download Full-text

Interdisciplinary approach to the management of a patient with Sjogren’s syndrome: a clinical case

Modern Gastroenterology ◽

10.30978/mg-2021-4-32 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

N. Y. Emelyanova ◽

T. E. Kozyrieva ◽

O. V. Stepanova ◽

N. V. Zorenko

Keyword(s):

Oral Cavity ◽

Salivary Glands ◽

Sjögren’S Syndrome ◽

Clinical Case ◽

Sjögren's Syndrome ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Sjogren’S Syndrome ◽

Sjogren's Syndrome ◽

Mucous Membranes ◽

Sjögren‘S Syndrome

Dryness of the mucous membranes (in mouth, nose, genitals in women) and skin are the most common complaints of patients with Sjogren’s disease — a multisystem immune‑mediated disorder that causes anxiety and concern associated with the difficulties of initial diagnosis. The authors present a clinical case of a patient with primary Sjogren’s syndrome, a large number of symptoms of digestive diseases, complaints of dryness of mucous membranes, in particular the oral cavity. The diagnosis was confirmed by allied specialists such as ophthalmologist, gynecologist, rheumatologist, dentist. Detailed dental examination revealed the main dental complaints (constant dry mouth, galitos, changes in taste), clinical condition (dryness of the red border of the lips, swelling of the oral mucosa, changes in the relief of the gums), decreased secretory activity and significant reduction of unstimulated salivation with a moderate level of stimulated salivation. It is noted that a significant decrease in sialometry (0.01 ml per minute) and functional activity of the small salivary glands (up to 18) confirms the presence of true xerostomia. Micro‑crystallization of saliva revealed disorganization of irregularly shaped structures, as well as a significant number of organic inclusions, which indicates a violation of homeostasis in the oral cavity. Given the results of ultrasound examination of the large salivary glands and the absence of enlargement and swelling of the glands during clinical examination, we can assume that the destructive damage to the glands is not so pronounced, evacuation function of the gland is not reduced, but the amount of secretion is significantly reduced. To provide medical aid to patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, the accessibility of the qualified consultation is important and required, with conduction of comprehensive examinations by allied specialists, including a dentist.

Download Full-text