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Interferon-γ is increased in patients with primary Sjogrens syndrome and Raynauds phenomenon
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 06/30/09

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.

• 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

• 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

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