Interferon-γ is increased in patients with primary Sjogrens syndrome and Raynauds phenomenon
Willeke P et al. – Data suggest a pathogenic role of INF-γ in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Whether the RP is immune-mediated or whether INF-γ directly causes vasospasm still remains to be elucidated.Methods- Main objectives of this study were to:
- Determine the prevalence of RP in pts with pSS
- Identify clinical and immunological characteristics associated with this manifestation
- Compare the INF-γ production in pSS pts with or w/o RP
- RP was diagnosed if pSS pts presented with characteristic sequence of skin color changes of the digits
- In uncertain cases noninvasive vascular tests were performed by ultrasound
- Secretion of INF-γ by PBMC was assessed by ELISA
- Expression of different lymphocyte activation markers (CD25, CD45RO, CD69) on CD4+ T-cells was examined by flow cytometry
Results- 36/108 pts with pSS had RP
- These pts had an increased number of INF-γ-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells vs pts w/o RP or healthy controls
- Further, in pts with RP an increased percentage of CD25-positive T-helper cells was detectable
- In addition, an association of leukopenia, thyroiditis, and lower C3 levels with RP in pSS pts was seen
[more...]
|
|
|
