Association between IFN-alpha and primary Sjogren's syndrome

Objective. To determine the level of IFN-alpha in labial salivary glands, plasma, and peripheral blood cells from patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). Methods. Labial salivary gland biopsy specimens, plasma, and peripheral blood cells from patients with pSS were investigated. The IFN-alpha-positive cells, measurable IFN-alpha level, and IFN-alpha gene mRNA level were determined by using immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and real-time PCR, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by Student t test or Fisher's exact test. Results. About 60% of patients (22/37) with pSS had significantly higher scores of IFN-alpha-positive cells in labial gland biopsy and most IFN-alpha-positive cells were localized predominantly in the lymphocytes and ductal epithelial cells. But in 3 of the control samples (3/24), the IFN-alpha-positive cells existed only in the ductal epithelial cells with lower scores. Forty-three percents of the patients with pSS were found with detectable IFN-alpha concentration in plasma (>= 12.5 pg/ mL), and their concentration was higher than that of control group. Furthermore, the IFN-alpha mRNA levels in peripheral blood cells were up-regulated in the patients with pSS. Conclusion. No matter in labial salivary glands or hematoplasma, or peripheral blood cells, IFN-alpha expression levels are up-regulated in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;107:e12-e18)