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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... May 2024Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is often related to adverse neonatal outcomes. But it's currently controversial whether pSS has an adverse effect on female fertility and...
BACKGROUND
Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is often related to adverse neonatal outcomes. But it's currently controversial whether pSS has an adverse effect on female fertility and clinical pregnancy condition. More importantly, it's unclear regarding the role of pSS in oocyte and embryonic development. There is a lack of comprehensive understanding and evaluation of fertility in pSS patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate oocyte and embryonic development, ovarian reserve, and clinical pregnancy outcomes in Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment from multi-IVF centers.
METHODS
We performed a muti-central retrospective cohort study overall evaluating the baseline characteristics, ovarian reserve, IVF laboratory outcomes, and clinical pregnancy outcomes between the pSS patients and control patients who were matched by Propensity Score Matching.
RESULTS
Following PSM matching, baseline characteristics generally coincided between the two groups. Ovarian reserve including anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle counting (AFC) were significantly lower in the pSS group vs comparison (0.8 vs. 2.9 ng/mL, P < 0.001; 6.0 vs. 10.0, P < 0.001, respectively). The pSS group performed significant reductions in numbers of large follicles, oocytes retrieved and MII oocytes. Additionally, pSS patients exhibited obviously deteriorate rates of oocyte maturation, 2PN cleavage, D3 good-quality embryo, and blastocyst formation compared to comparison. As for clinical pregnancy, notable decrease was found in implantation rate (37.9% vs. 54.9%, P = 0.022). The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) following every embryo-transfer procedure was distinctly lower in the pSS group, and the conservative and optimal CLBRs following every complete cycle procedure were also significantly reduced in the pSS group. Lastly, the gestational weeks of the newborns in pSS group were distinctly early vs comparison.
CONCLUSION
Patients with pSS exhibit worse conditions in terms of female fertility and clinical pregnancy, notably accompanied with deteriorate oocyte and embryo development. Individualized fertility evaluation and early fertility guidance are essential for these special patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Adult; Pregnancy Outcome; Fertilization in Vitro; Retrospective Studies; Propensity Score; Sjogren's Syndrome; Fertility; Ovarian Reserve; Pregnancy Rate; Infertility, Female
PubMed: 38769525
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01228-4 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Accumulating studies have indicated that the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the onset of autoimmune diseases by engaging in complex interactions with the host.... (Review)
Review
Accumulating studies have indicated that the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the onset of autoimmune diseases by engaging in complex interactions with the host. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literatures concerning the relationship between the gut microbiota and autoimmune diseases, shedding light on the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, the host and the immune system. Furthermore, we aim to summarize the impacts and potential mechanisms that underlie the interactions between the gut microbiota and the host in autoimmune diseases, primarily focusing on systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, type 1 diabetes mellitus, ulcerative colitis and psoriasis. The present review will emphasize the clinical significance and potential applications of interventions based on the gut microbiota as innovative adjunctive therapies for autoimmune diseases.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Autoimmune Diseases; Animals; Dysbiosis; Autoimmunity
PubMed: 38765017
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365554 -
Clinical Immunology (Orlando, Fla.) Jul 2024Lymphocytes such as CD4 T cells and B cells mainly infiltrate the salivary glands; however, the precise roles and targets of autoreactive T cells and autoantibodies in...
Lymphocytes such as CD4 T cells and B cells mainly infiltrate the salivary glands; however, the precise roles and targets of autoreactive T cells and autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) remain unclear. This study was designed to clarify the role of autoreactive T cells and autoantibodies at the single-cell level involved in the development of sialadenitis. Infiltrated CD4 T and B cells in the salivary glands of a mouse model resembling SS were single-cell-sorted, and their T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR) sequences were analyzed. The predominant TCR and BCR clonotypes were reconstituted in vitro, and their pathogenicity was evaluated by transferring reconstituted TCR-expressing CD4 T cells into Rag2 mice and administering recombinant IgG in vivo. The reconstitution of Th17 cells expressing TCR (#G) in Rag2 mice resulted in the infiltration of T cells into the salivary glands and development of sialadenitis, while an autoantibody (IgGr22) was observed to promote the proliferation of pathogenic T cells. IgGr22 specifically recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and induces the activation of dendritic cells, thereby enhancing the expression of IFN signature and inflammatory genes. TCR#G recognizes antigens related to the gut microbiota. Antibiotic treatment severely reduces the activation of TCR#G-expressing Th17 cells and suppresses sialadenitis development. These data suggest that the anti-dsRNA antibodies and, TCR recognizing the gut microbiota involved in the development of sialadenitis like SS. Thus, our model provides a novel strategy for defining the roles of autoreactive TCR and autoantibodies in the development and pathogenesis of SS.
Topics: Animals; Sjogren's Syndrome; Sialadenitis; Autoantibodies; Mice; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Mice, Knockout; Salivary Glands; Mice, Inbred C57BL; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Disease Models, Animal; B-Lymphocytes; Th17 Cells; Female; Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; DNA-Binding Proteins
PubMed: 38762063
DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110258 -
International Journal of Dentistry 2024Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by dryness of mucous membranes, predominantly the eyes and mouth, following glandular... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by dryness of mucous membranes, predominantly the eyes and mouth, following glandular tissue substitution. The onset of oral dryness constitutes a significant source of discomfort that negatively affects overall quality of life. This systematic review aimed at investigating the differences in Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire scores in patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome compared to sicca syndrome, to assess the influence of the two conditions on oral health. . A systematic electronic and manual search was performed up to December 2023 for studies reporting OHIP-14 questionnaire scores in pSS patients versus sicca syndrome. Two authors independently reviewed, selected, and extracted the data. The outcome was the assessment of OHIP-14 scores in studies comparing pSS- and sicca syndrome-affected patients. Meta-analysis was conducted on available quantitative data.
RESULTS
Literature search retrieved 30 articles, and 3 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Meta-analysis revealed significantly higher scores in patients with sicca syndrome compared to pSS, although salivary flow was markedly reduced in pSS.
CONCLUSIONS
While offering supplementary information to standard tests and supporting the assessment of pSS and sicca syndrome patients, further validation is necessary to establish OHIP-14 validity in determining the impact of pSS and sicca syndrome on patients' quality of life.
PubMed: 38756383
DOI: 10.1155/2024/9277636 -
Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Feb 2024Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is prevalent in middle-aged and elderly women, characterized by dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, and... (Review)
Review
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that is prevalent in middle-aged and elderly women, characterized by dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, and joint pain. Nearly one-third pSS patients have been suffering with osteoporosis (OP), displaying symptoms of lumbago, back pain, and even fracture, all of which severely affect their life quality. Common risk factors for pSS and OP include gender and age, persistent state of inflammation, immune disorders, intestinal flora imbalance, vitamin D deficiency, dyslipidemia and sarcopenia. Meanwhile, the comorbidities of pSS, such as renal tubular acidosis, primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and drugs (glucocorticoids, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide) are unique risk factors for pSS complicated with OP. Education, guidance of healthy lifestyle, and OP screening are recommended for bone management of pSS patients. Early detection and intervention are crucial for keeping bone health and life quality in pSS patients.
Topics: Humans; Sjogren's Syndrome; Osteoporosis; Risk Factors; Female; Comorbidity; Vitamin D Deficiency; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38755728
DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2024.230295 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Sjögren's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting exocrine glands, causing dry eyes and mouth and other morbidities. Polypharmacy or a history of radiation to the...
Sjögren's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting exocrine glands, causing dry eyes and mouth and other morbidities. Polypharmacy or a history of radiation to the head and neck can also lead to dry mouth. Sjogren's disease is often underdiagnosed due to its non-specific symptoms, limited awareness among healthcare professionals, and the complexity of diagnostic criteria, limiting the ability to provide therapy early. Current diagnostic methods suffer from limitations including the variation in individuals, the absence of a single diagnostic marker, and the low sensitivity and specificity, high cost, complexity, and invasiveness of current procedures. Here we utilized Raman hyperspectroscopy combined with machine learning to develop a novel screening test for Sjögren's disease. The method effectively distinguished Sjögren's disease patients from healthy controls and radiation patients. This technique shows potential for development of a single non-invasive, efficient, rapid, and inexpensive medical screening test for Sjögren's disease using a Raman hyper-spectral signature.
Topics: Humans; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Saliva; Sjogren's Syndrome; Machine Learning; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38750168
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59850-6 -
Global Cardiology Science & Practice Mar 2024Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which was initially used as an antimalarial drug, is now being used to treat other illnesses, especially rheumatic autoimmune disorders such... (Review)
Review
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which was initially used as an antimalarial drug, is now being used to treat other illnesses, especially rheumatic autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, because it is safe, effective, and cost efficient. This drug has shown high efficacy and has become the first-line treatment for many of these diseases. Although HCQ has many therapeutic effects, it has unfortunately shown some complications, especially with its long-term use. One of these side effects is arrhythmia through prolongation of the QT interval. This narrative literature review focuses on the effects of HCQ on the QT interval in patients with rheumatologic diseases who have been prescribed this drug. In particular, we will focus on the increased risk of arrhythmia when HCQ is administered with other drugs, such as azithromycin and many others, along with drug-drug interactions. In addition, we investigated the safety of this drug in pregnant women.
PubMed: 38746066
DOI: 10.21542/gcsp.2024.17 -
Arthritis Research & Therapy May 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of macrophage polarization in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of macrophage polarization in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).
METHODS
Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 30 patients with pSS and 30 healthy controls. Minor salivary gland samples were abtainted from 10 of these patients and 10 non-pSS controls whose minor salivary gland didn't fulfill the classification criteria for pSS. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay was used to examine the serum concentration of M1/M2 macrophage related cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-23, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β). Flow cytometry was used to examine the numbers of CD86 M1 macrophages and CD206 M2 macrophages in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunofluorescence was used to test the infiltration of macrophages in minor salivary glands.
RESULTS
This study observed a significant increase in pSS patients both in the numbers of M1 macrophages in peripheral blood and serum levels of M1-related pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-23 and TNF-α). Conversely, M2 macrophages were downregulated in the peripheral blood of pSS patients. Similarly, in the minor salivary glands of pSS patients, the expression of M1 macrophages was increased, and that of M2 macrophages was decreased. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation was found between the proportions of M1 macrophages in PBMCs and serum levels of IgG and RF.
CONCLUSIONS
This study reveals the presence of an significant imbalance in M1/M2 macrophages in pSS patients. The M1 polarization of macrophages may play an central role in the pathogenesis of pSS.
Topics: Sjogren's Syndrome; Humans; Macrophages; Female; Middle Aged; Cytokines; Male; Adult; Flow Cytometry; Aged; Cell Polarity; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Macrophage Activation; Leukocytes, Mononuclear
PubMed: 38745331
DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03340-7 -
Lupus Science & Medicine May 2024To estimate the incidence and prevalence of SLE in Italy, and to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed SLE. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the incidence and prevalence of SLE in Italy, and to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed SLE.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using The Health Improvement Network general practice database in Italy, encompassing data from 634 753 people. SLE cases were identified over the period 2017-2022, employing three alternative definitions to provide a more detailed understanding of SLE characteristics. Incidence rates were expressed as cases per 100 000 person-years and prevalence as cases per 100 000 people. Demographic and clinical characteristics of incident SLE cases were also studied.
RESULTS
From 2017 to 2022, a total of 191 incident and 1385 prevalent cases were identified under our first definition. In 2022, the incidence rate was 6.51 cases (95% CI 6.29 to 6.74) per 100 000 person-years, and the prevalence 60.57 (95% CI 59.89 to 61.25) per 100 000 people, being the prevalence five times higher in women compared with men. Both estimates have trended upwards since 2017. A geographical variation across the country was also seen. The demographic and clinical characteristics of incident SLE cases were described, while the potential associations of SLE incidence with some pre-existing conditions were observed, such as chronic kidney disease, chronic hepatic disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this nationwide study, the first conducted in Italy, showed that the incidence of SLE has increased in Italy in recent years. Age, sex, and area of residence strongly correlate with the epidemiology of this condition.
Topics: Humans; Italy; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Incidence; Prevalence; Primary Health Care; Databases, Factual; Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent
PubMed: 38744457
DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2024-001162 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Sarcoidosis, a multifaceted granulomatous disease primarily affecting the lungs, occasionally presents in atypical locations. Lacrimal gland involvement, though rare,...
Sarcoidosis, a multifaceted granulomatous disease primarily affecting the lungs, occasionally presents in atypical locations. Lacrimal gland involvement, though rare, poses distinct diagnostic challenges. This case report details a 52-year-old female with bilateral lacrimal gland swelling initially suggestive of metastatic tumor due to a history of breast cancer. Subsequent investigations, including CT and MRI, unveiled pulmonary sarcoidosis. Discussion emphasizes the diverse ocular manifestations of sarcoidosis, with lacrimal gland participation potentially indicating early stages. Diagnostic complexities involve differentiation from other lacrimal pathologies, including neoplasms, lymphoproliferative disorders, Sjögren's syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis, tuberculosis, and IgG4-related disease. In summary, while lacrimal gland involvement in sarcoidosis is infrequent, it should be considered in orbital masses, necessitating a comprehensive approach for accurate diagnostic orientation in such cases.
PubMed: 38737175
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.04.010