Salivary Glands Of Patients Research Articles

Structural and functional changes of salivary glands in patients after iodine-131 radiotherapy in the complex treatment of thyroid diseases

Structural and functional changes of salivary glands in patients after iodine-131 radiotherapy in the complex treatment of thyroid diseases

Effect of cevimeline and different concentration of gum arabic on parotid salivary gland function in methotrexate-induced xerostomia: a comparative study

ObjectiveThis study assessed the effect of cevimeline and different concentrations of gum arabic on the parotid gland of rats being given xerostomia-inducing methotrexate.MethodsOne hundred twenty-five rats were divided into five equal groups of twenty-five each. The rats in Group I received basic diets, while those in Groups II, III, IV, and V received 20 mg/kg MTX as a single intraperitoneal dose on day one. Group III received 10 mg/kg CVM dissolved in saline orally and daily, and the other two groups received a 10% W/V aqueous suspension of GA. Therefore, Group IV received 2 ml/kg suspension orally and daily, while Group V received 3 ml/kg suspension orally and daily. After 9 days, the parotid glands were dissected carefully and prepared for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining as a routine histological stain and caspase-3 and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative data from α-Caspase-3 staining and Ki67 staining were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons post hoc test.ResultsRegarding caspase-3 and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining, one-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference among the five groups. For Caspase-3, the highest mean value was for group II (54.21 ± 6.90), and the lowest mean value was for group I (15.75 ± 3.67). The other three groups had mean values of 31.09 ± 5.90, 30.76 ± 5.82, and 20.65 ± 3.47 for groups III, IV, and V, respectively. For Ki67, the highest mean value was for group I (61.70 ± 6.58), and the lowest value was for group II (18.14a ± 5.16). The other three groups had mean values of 34.4 ± 9.27, 48.03 ± 8.40, and 50.63 ± 8.27 for groups III, IV, and V, respectively.ConclusionGA, rather than the normally used drug CVM, had a desirable effect on the salivary glands of patients with xerostomia.

A systematic review of the perspectives of botulinum toxin use on the quality of life of neurological patients with drooling.

To investigate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in the salivary glands of patients with neurological impairment and drooling and its impact on the quality of life. This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42,023,435,242) and conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. An electronic search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial databases until August 2023, no language restriction. Cohort studies and randomized clinical trials of patients diagnosed with drooling and neurological impairment who used botulinum toxin on the salivary gland were included, which evaluated subjective quality of life parameters. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and Risk of Bias 2 tools. The certainty of the evidence was analyzed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Eight studies involving 317 patients were included. All studies, through subjective parameters, suggested the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in reducing drooling, resulting in an improvement in the quality of life. Three studies demonstrated improvements in swallowing and four in cases of respiratory diseases. Two clinical trials had a high risk of bias, whereas one had low risk. The five cohort studies that were evaluated had a high risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was considered low. Based on the patient/caregivers' perception of improvement in drooling, dysphagia, and respiratory symptoms, it can be inferred that botulinum toxin application reduces subjective drooling in neurologically compromised patients. Its impact contributes to the general well-being and quality of life. Injection of botulinum toxin into the salivary glands can be considered an alternative technique to surgical or medicinal approaches in reducing drooling. It is effective, less invasive and without significant side effects. It promotes a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of neurological patients.

Features of diagnostics of sialadenosis of parotid salivary glands in patients with gastrointestinal tract pathology associated with Helicobacter pylori

AIM: is improving the diagnostic efficiency of patients with sialadenosis of the parotid salivary glands and acid-dependent diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS. At the clinical base of the Department of Dentistry of the Central State Medical Academy at the Department of Presidential Affairs of the Russian and the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Polyclinic № 1 of the Office of the President, 40 people with sialadenosis of the parotid salivary glands and acid-dependent diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori-infection were examined. The mean age of the study patients was 47,03±6,33 years. The control group consisted of 20 practically healthy people aged 35-55 years.
 RESULTS. In the course of the work, data were obtained on a significant increase in IL-1β, 6 and TNFα indicators in patients with sialadenosis and a positive result for Helicobacter pylori, detected using a rapid urease test and PCR diagnostics in parotid saliva.

Activation of Janus kinase 2 contributes to the autoimmune pathology in the salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Activation of Janus kinase 2 contributes to the autoimmune pathology in the salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Cell type-specific transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in the regulation of salivary gland fibrosis and regeneration

Salivary gland damage and hypofunction result from various disorders, including autoimmune Sjögren's disease (SjD) and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), as well as a side effect of radiotherapy for treating head and neck cancers. There are no therapeutic strategies to prevent the loss of salivary gland function in these disorders nor facilitate functional salivary gland regeneration. However, ongoing aquaporin-1 gene therapy trials to restore saliva flow show promise. To identify and develop novel therapeutic targets, we must better understand the cell-specific signaling processes involved in salivary gland regeneration. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is essential to tissue fibrosis, a major endpoint in salivary gland degeneration, which develops in the salivary glands of patients with SjD, IgG4-RD, and radiation-induced damage. Though the deposition and remodeling of extracellular matrix proteins are essential to repair salivary gland damage, pathological fibrosis results in tissue hardening and chronic salivary gland dysfunction orchestrated by multiple cell types, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, stromal cells, and lymphocytes, macrophages, and other immune cell populations. This review is focused on the role of TGF-β signaling in the development of salivary gland fibrosis and the potential for targeting TGF-β as a novel therapeutic approach to regenerate functional salivary glands. The studies presented highlight the divergent roles of TGF-β signaling in salivary gland development and dysfunction and illuminate specific cell populations in damaged or diseased salivary glands that mediate the effects of TGF-β. Overall, these studies strongly support the premise that blocking TGF-β signaling holds promise for the regeneration of functional salivary glands.

Diagnostic value of a novel salivary gland ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-related sialadenitis.

To develop a novel ultrasound scoring system for the major salivary glands in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and assess its diagnostic value in a multicenter cohort of Chinese patients. Twenty clinicians (rheumatologists, stomatologists, and radiologists) participated. The study was conducted in four steps: (1) defining the ultrasonography (US) elements, (2) developing a novel ultrasound scoring system for US of the salivary glands, (3) evaluation of inter- and intra-reader reliabilities using the new ultrasound scoring system, and (4) assessing the diagnostic value of this novel ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-RS patients in a Chinese multicenter cohort. A novel ultrasound scoring system for the salivary glands was developed, with total scores ranging from 0 to 34. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities of the ultrasound scoring system were excellent (0.972 and 0.940, respectively). A total of 470 people were recruited in this study; 187 patients were diagnosed with IgG4-RS, and the remaining 283 people were diagnosed with non-IgG4-RS. Patients with IgG4-RS had significantly higher US scores than the non-IgG4-RS group (mean US score=16 vs. 4, P < 0.001). The calculated area under the curve (AUC) for the total US score was 0.852 (95% CI: 0.814-0.891). The total US scores≥9 showed a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 91.9%. Association analysis showed a positive correlation between total US scores and serum IgG4 levels and hypocomplementemia (r=0.221, r=0.349; P = 0.002) and a negative correlation between total US scores and serum C3 and C4 levels (r=-0.210, r=-0.303; P = 0.005, P < 0.001). A novel semiquantitative ultrasound scoring system for patients with IgG4-RS was developed, with good diagnostic performance. The inter- and intra-reader reliabilities were excellent. US scores were correlated with IgG4, C3, and C4 levels and hypocomplementemia.

Estimation of absorbed dose to salivary glands in mCRPC patients undergoing 177 Lu- PSMA-617 radioligand therapy using quantitative SPECT-CT at single time point: a single-center feasibility study.

177 Lu-PSMA-617-radioligand therapy (RLT) has shown promising therapeutic role in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, off-target action in salivary glands often presents with xerostomia. Personalized dosimetry can help in optimizing the treatment, however, has so far been tedious due to multiple time-point imaging. In this prospective study, we intended to estimate the absorbed dose delivered to the salivary glands in patients undergoing 177 Lu-PSMA-617-RLT using quantitative SPECT/CT at a single time point. Patients undergoing 177 Lu-PSMA-617 RLT were included in this prospective study. Post-therapy whole-body images and regional quantitative single time-point SPECT/CT were acquired at 24 h with high-energy collimator. The data was processed and analyzed using Q.Metrix software. A scaling factor, that is, the time-integrated activity conversion factor was applied for the image acquired at 24 h. Absorbed doses were computed using MIRD scheme and OLINDA software. A total of 21 patients (mean age: 66 ± 9 years) were included. The value of mean absorbed dose for the parotid glands was 1.90 ± 1.31Gy (range: 0.26-6.23) and that for the submandibular glands was 1.37 ± 0.94Gy (range: 0.16-3.65). The mean absorbed doses per administered activity for the parotid and submandibular glands were 0.26 ± 0.18 Gy/GBq and 0.19 ± 0.12 Gy/GBq, respectively. The absorbed doses were estimated for one cycle of therapy and were well within acceptable limits. None of the patients experienced dryness of mouth. Single time-point dosimetry with quantitative SPECT/CT is feasible and can be standardized to estimate the absorbed dose to salivary glands instead of multiple time-point acquisitions.

Expression of Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase-L1 in Minor Normal Salivary Gland Tissues in Perilesional Area to OSCC

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), is a deubiquitinating enzyme. Certain changes in ubiquitination attribute to uncontrolled growth, leading to oncogenesis. The aim of this study was to characterize UCH-L1 expression patterns in nor mal looking human minor salivary gland tissues in the perilesional area of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A retrospective study in which UCH-L1 immunohistochemical staining performed for 27 formalin fixed paraffin embedded blocks of surgically removed primary OSCC containing perilesional minor salivary gland tissues. The expression, subcellular localization, pattern of distribution, and stain intensity were assessed. UCH-L1 was immunopositive in minor salivary gland tissues of all sections. The immunoreactivity was (70.4%) detected in the cytoplasm and (29.6%) as mixed expression (cytoplasm and nucleus). UCH-L1 was predominately expressed in the ductal system (40.7%), followed by the myoepithelial cells (33.35%), while it was weakly expressed in the acinar cells; mucous (14.9%) and serous acini (11.1%). UCH-L1 expression is detectable in minor salivary glands in a perilesional area of OSCC, Although previously approved that it was absolutely absent in normal salivary gland tissues, it may activate during the course of oncogenesis and can be classified as a marker for predicting the future invasion of OSCC to adjacent minor salivary gland tissues. This study provides evidence for additional studies on the UCH-L1 expression in normal salivary glands in patients with maxillofacial tumorigenesis.

The Novel OMERACT Ultrasound Scoring System for Salivary Gland Changes in Patients With Sjögren Syndrome Is Associated With MRI and Salivary Flow Rates.

To assess the construct validity of the novel Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) ultrasound (US) semiquantitative scoring system for morphological lesions in major salivary glands by comparing it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and unstimulated whole salivary flow rates (U-WSFRs) in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). Nine sonographers applied the OMERACT 0-3 grayscale scoring system for parotid (PGs) and submandibular glands (SMGs) in 11 patients with pSS who also had MRIs performed. These were evaluated by 2 radiologists using a semiquantitative 0-3 scoring system for morphological lesions. The agreement between US and MRI and the association between U-WSFRs and imaging structural lesions was determined. A score ≥ 2 for both US and MRI was defined as gland pathology. The prevalence of US morphological lesions in 11 patients with a score ≥ 2 was 58% for PGs and 76% for SMGs, and 46% and 41% for PGs and SMGs, respectively, for MRI. The agreement between OMERACT US scores and MRI scores was 73-91% (median 82%) in the right PG and 73-91% (median 91%) in the left PG, 55-91% (median 55%) in the right SMG and 55-82% (median 55%) in the left SMG. When relations between the presence of hyposalivation and an US score ≥ 2 were examined, agreement was 91-100% (median 83%) in both PGs and 55-91% (median 67%) in both SMGs. There is moderate to strong agreement between the OMERACT US and MRI scores for major salivary glands in patients with pSS. Similar agreement ratios were observed between the higher OMERACT US scores and presence of hyposalivation.

The diagnostic value of shear-wave elastography in the salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren syndrome.

We aimed to quantify the extent of salivary gland fibrosis using shear-wave elastography (SWE) to assess its diagnostic value for primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). A total of 58 pSS patients and 44 controls underwent SWE ultrasound evaluation of the parotid and submandibular glands. We measured the degree of salivary gland fibrosis in all participants and investigated the diagnostic accuracy of SWE for pSS and its relationship to disease progression. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of pSS were highest when the critical Young's modulus values of the parotid and submandibular glands were 18.4 and 15.9 kPa, respectively, effectively improving the diagnostic value of pSS. The area under the SWE curve of the submandibular gland was higher than that of the parotid gland (z = 2.292, P = 0.02), suggesting that the submandibular gland was damaged earlier. The mean parotid gland thickness of pSS patients was thicker than in healthy controls (mean ± standard deviation 2.5 ± 0.3 vs 2.4 ± 0.2, P = 0.013]. SWE had a 70.3% sensitivity for diagnosing pSS patients with a disease duration of 5 years, but this did not differ significantly from pSS patients with a longer disease duration. SWE is a valid diagnostic method for pSS. The degree of salivary gland fibrosis related to secretory function and pathological progression, and quantitative measurements of tissue elasticity provide objective criteria for predicting damage in pSS.

Alterations of CD8+ T cells in the blood and salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome

ObjectiveTo identify the alterations of CD8+ T cells in blood and labial salivary glands (LSGs) of patients with Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).MethodsBlood samples from 24 pSS patients were assayed for CD38+ HLA-DR+ CD8+ (activated CD8+, aCD8+) T cells and serum IFN-γ and TNF-α, using flow cytometry and ELISA respectively, and compared with samples from 27 healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to count CD8+ T cells in LSG tissues of 24 pSS patients and of 6 control patients with normal pathology.ResultspSS patients had more aCD8+ T cells than aCD4+ T cells (medians 33.13% vs. 9.43%, p < 0.0001), and had an increased level of aCD8+ T cells (medians 33.13% vs. 16.48%, p < 0.0001) and serum IFN-γ (medians 1026 pg/mL vs. 0.00 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) compared to the healthy controls. The levels of aCD8+ T cells and IFN-γ were both significant positively correlated with European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index, IgG, anti-nuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor. The LSGs focus score (FS) ≥1 group had more CD8+ T cell counts than 0≤ FS <1 group and control group (medians 256/mm2 vs. 126/mm2 and 256/mm2 vs. 64/mm2 respectively, both p < 0.05).ConclusionThe aCD8+ T cells and IFN-γ are positively correlated with each other, and predominantly elevated in the blood of pSS patients. In the LSG tissues of pSS, CD8+ T cell counts increase with severity of the lesions. CD8+ T cells may play crucial role in the pathogenesis of pSS.Key Points• Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic and systemic autoimmune disease. pSS patients had elevated blood levels of CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+T cells and IFN-γ.• The CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+T cells positively correlated with disease parameters and serum IFN-γ.• The salivary glands of pSS patients had appreciable CD8+lymphocyte infiltration. CD8+T cells may play crucial role in the pathogenesis of pSS.

Histochemical Aspects of Lesions of the Oral Mucosa and Salivary Glands in Patients with Acute Respiratory Viral Infections

Histochemical Aspects of Lesions of the Oral Mucosa and Salivary Glands in Patients with Acute Respiratory Viral Infections

Id4 modulates salivary gland homeostasis and its expression is downregulated in IgG4-related disease via miR-486-5p

Salivary glands are physiologically orchestrated by the coordinated balance between cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and interactions between epithelial, mesenchymal endothelial, and neuronal cells, and they are frequent sites of manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) or IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). However, little is known about salivary gland homeostasis and its involvement in those diseases. Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 4 (Id4) is an Id protein involved in the transcriptional control of many biological events, including differentiation. Studies of Id4-deficient mice revealed that Id4-deficient submandibular glands were smaller and exhibited accelerated differentiation, compared with those from wild-type littermates. In addition, dry mouth symptoms and Th17 expansion in splenocytes were also observed in the absence of Id4. Furthermore, Id4 levels in the salivary glands of patients with IgG4-RD, but not SS, were significantly decreased compared with those of healthy controls. miRNA-mRNA integrated analysis demonstrated that miR-486-5p was upregulated in IgG4-RD patients and that it might regulate Id4 in the lesion sites. Together, these results provide evidence for the inhibitory role of Id4 in salivary differentiation, and a critical association between Id4 downregulation and IgG4-RD.

Evaluation of the Histological Changes in the Structure of the Minor Salivary Glands in Patients With Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF).

The minor salivary glands (MSGs) are critical components of the mouth's delicate environment. The pre-malignant changes of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) have been associated with a decline in the quality of life and an uptick in the prevalence of oral malignancies. The aim was to provide evidence of the histological alterations in minor salivary gland structure seen in individuals with OSMF. A total of 106 confirmed cases of OSMF were enrolled in the study.In order to perform an incisional biopsy, we first collected the patient's complete demographic and clinical history. Using a Vernier calliper, the inter-incisal distance was used to evaluatethe mouth opening of the patients.An incisional biopsy of the buccal mucosa was carried out using a 6 mm diameter punch and local anaesthesia. After the appropriate demographic and medical information had been gathered. Acinar cells and the surrounding stroma of tissue slices were observed under a light microscope for alterations. The cytoplasm, nucleus morphology, cellular shape, mucin pooling, and acinar outline of acinar cells were all examined by the researchers. It was taken into account to classify OSMF histologically based on variations in juxta epithelial hyalinization. Multiple aetiologies for the symptoms of OSMF were reflected in the patient's histological abnormalities in the minor salivary glands. On the measurement of the diameter of acini, we discover that the average area of salivary gland acini in OSMF patients is smaller than in the normal group indicative of a decrease in size. The number of functional acini in OSMF is fewer than compared in the control group. Because of the findings of this study, we now have a better understanding of the factors that play a role in the incidence of dryness of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa (OSMF), although it has to be mentioned that no major impact of OSMF on minor salivary glands was observed in our study.

Ultrasonographic Features of Salivary Glands after Radioiodine Therapy in Patients with Thyroid Cancer.

Chronic sialadenitis is the most common complication of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. The aim of the study was to ascertain sonographic features of the major salivary glands in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) treated with RAI. The database of a tertiary medical center was retrospectively searched for consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC in 2011-2020 with ultrasound follow-up after 1 year. Changes in ultrasound features of the major salivary glands were compared between patients treated or not treated with RAI postoperatively. The cohort included 158 patients, of whom 109 (69%) were treated postoperatively with RAI (mean dose, 131 mCi) and 49 were not (control group). Sonographic changes were observed in the major salivary glands in 43% of the study group and 18% of the control group (p= 0.002), including coarse echotexture, decreased echogenicity, fibrosis, and atrophy. Higher RAI doses were significantly correlated with the prevalence and severity of glandular changes (p< 0.0001). RAI treatment following thyroidectomy is associated with a dose-response effect and adverse changes in the major salivary glands and should be prescribed carefully. 4 Laryngoscope, 133:1271-1275, 2023.

Expression of ICOS in the salivary glands of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome and its molecular mechanism.

The present study aimed to explore latent markers for identifying primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), as well as their expression and molecular mechanism. Hub inducible T cell co-stimulator genes were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus. A total of 95 patients with pSS and 68 healthy individuals from Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (Nantong, China) were included in the study. The expression of inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) in whole blood and saliva was evaluated using ELISA. Western blotting was performed to investigate aquaporin 5 (AQP5) protein expression, as well as the inflammatory effects of ICOS in patients with pSS compared with healthy individuals. Differentially expressed mRNAs were analyzed in whole blood (GSE84844) and salivary gland (GSE40611) of patients with pSS. In total, 15 hub genes were identified, among which ICOS was indicated to serve a role in the most pivotal immunity pathways. pSS was markedly associated with inflammatory pathways. Results from the present study found that ICOS was upregulated in the salivary gland, whole blood and saliva of patients with pSS. Salivary weight was negatively correlated with the levels of ICOS in the saliva of patients with pSS. The expression of AQP5 was markedly lower in patients with pSS. The expression of AQP5 was negatively associated with ICOS. Compared with that of healthy individuals, the expression of ICOS and inflammatory factors was higher and the expression of AQP5 was lower in pSS patients as assessed by western blotting. These data demonstrated that ICOS may affect AQP5 expression by promoting inflammation in the salivary glands of patients with pSS.

The Extracts of Dendrobium Alleviate Dry Eye Disease in Rat Model by Regulating Aquaporin Expression and MAPKs/NF-κB Signalling.

Dry eye is one of the most common ocular surface diseases caused by tear film instability and ocular surface damage due to an abnormal quality or quantity of tears. Inflammatory factors can initiate relevant transduction signalling pathways and trigger the inflammatory cascade response, resulting in ocular surface inflammation. It has been shown that the active ingredients in Dendrobium, such as polysaccharides, alkaloids and phenols, have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and immunity-boosting effects, and Dendrobium officinale extract can improve glandular secretion function, increase salivary secretion and increase the expression level of water channel protein in salivary glands in patients with dry eye syndromes. We investigated the in vitro cytoprotective effect of Dendrobium extracts in sodium chloride induced hyperosmotic conditions in human cornea keratocytes (HKs). Results showed that Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo water extract (DOW) and Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe water extract (DLW) could upregulate the expression of aquaporins (AQP)5 protein, thus exerting a repairing effect by promoting cell migration. Furthermore, oral administration of DOW and DLW enhanced tear production in rats and exerted a protective effect on ocular surface damage. DOW and DLW could upregulate the expression of AQP5 and mucin (muc)5ac proteins in the lacrimal gland and reduce the inflammatory response. DOW and DLW inhibited the activation of the corresponding mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and NF-KB pathway, thereby playing a role in improving dry eye symptoms. This study provides a new perspective on dry eye treatment, and DOW and DLW may be potential therapeutic agents for dry eye.

Effect of vitamin E and supragingival scaling on salivary gland function in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with 131I.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin E and supragingival scaling with vitamin C on the salivary glands of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma after 131I treatment. A total of 89 prospective patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma were enrolled and randomly divided into the following groups: vitamin E group (n = 30, group A), vitamin C group (n = 30, group B) and supragingival scaling with vitamin C group (n = 29, group C). Using functional indices (e.g. maximum uptake fraction, uptake index, excretion fraction, secretion time and excretion rate), changes in the salivary gland functions before and a month after 131I treatment were assessed by dynamic imaging of salivary gland. We compared the before and after 131I therapy results of the three groups. In group A (P < 0.05), the excretion fraction and excretion rate of the left parotid gland were significantly higher, and the uptake index of the bilateral submandibular glands was significantly lower. No significant changes in salivary gland functional parameters were observed in group B (P > 0.05). The uptake index of the bilateral parotid glands and the excretion rate of the left parotid gland were significantly higher in group C (P < 0.05). The degree of serum amylase level reduction decreased significantly in group C (P < 0.05). Vitamin E showed a protective effect on parotid excretion function in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who underwent 131I treatment. Supragingival scaling may be a promising radiation protector because it is associated with a protective effect on the salivary gland functions.

Imaging Activated-T-Lymphocytes in the Salivary Glands of Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome by 99mTc-Interleukin-2: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications.

Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a progressive autoimmune disease characterized by local mononuclear cell infiltration of the salivary and lachrymal glands. Labial biopsy demonstrates local infiltration by Th1 cells that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-2 (IL2). The aim of this study was to assess the utility of 99mTc-labelled-IL2 (99mTc-IL2) in evaluating in vivo the extent and severity of lympho-mononuclear cell infiltration in the salivary glands of patients with SS. Methods: We investigated 48 patients with primary SS and 27 control subjects using 99mTc-IL2 scintigraphy. Furthermore, in a subgroup of 30 patients, we also performed 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy (99mTcO4−) for evaluation of the salivary gland function. Results: 99mTc-IL2 uptake in the salivary glands of SS patients was higher than in the control subjects (1.30 ± 0.16 vs. 0.83 ± 0.08 for parotids and 1.36 ± 0.15 vs. 1.16 ± 0.07 for submandibular glands; p < 0.0001). The salivary gland uptake of 99mTc-IL2 in patients with a longer history of disease was lower compared with the recently diagnosed patients. A significant direct correlation was found between the uptake of 99mTc-IL2 and histology. Conclusions: 99mTc-IL2 scintigraphy showed that the degree of lymphocytic infiltration of major salivary glands is variable in patients with different disease durations. Patients with a high 99mTc-IL2 uptake could be efficiently treated with immuno-modulatory drugs and the efficacy of treatment could be followed-up by 99mTc-IL2 scintigraphy.