Interpretation of Oral Involvement in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome by Using Salivary Markers

Abstract

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the salivary and lacrimal glands that leads to functional impairment. Hypof unction of salivary glands is the main cause of oral pathological changes and is associated with alterations in the constituents of the saliva. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that proteomic approaches markers (notably peptides) are involved in the oral manifestations observed in Sjögren's syndrome (SS). A total number of 71 participants were admitted in the study; 21 of them have Sjögren's syndrome (Group I), 43 non- Sjögren's syndrome cases refer red or attended the dental clinic seeking for certain management (Group II) and 7 apparent healthy subjects without dental problems (Group III). Stimulated saliva was collected from each patients and participants for biochemical analysis including assessment of salivary protein and peptides. Salivary flow rate was significantly (p<0.01) reduced in SS patients by 33.4% and 24.1% of corresponding Group II and Group III respectively. The salivary protein concentrations (total albumin and peptides) pe r milliliter saliva fluid were increased in SS patients. Saliva peptides (2.09±1.01 mg/ml) level was significantly (p<0.05) hi gher than Group II (1.708±0.649 mg/ml) and Group III (1.339±0.517 mg/ml). Hypofunction of saliv ary glands in SS is associated with significant changes in the saliva constituents particularly the peptides.