OP0069 Microchimerism and sjÖgren? s syndrome: a preliminary study on salivary glands. (1st June 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carlucci, F; Stoppacciaro, A; Priori, R; Barone, F; Alessandri, C; Valesini, G
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 60(2001)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A131
• Page End: A131
• Publication Date: 2001-06-01
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2001.329
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Recent researches suggested a role of microchimerism in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis and Graft Versus Host Disease. Objectives: Aim of the present study was to evaluate whether fetal microchimerism plays a role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Methods: We looked for male microchimerism in minor salivary glands tissue from 6 women with SS and at least one male pregnancy or miscarriage. SS diagnosis was made according to EEC criteria. As control we used DNA from minor salivary biopsy of 3 women with SS and female pregnancies only, 1 woman with SS without previous pregnancies and 2 healthy women, one with a male pregnancy and one with a female pregnancy. We assayed by PCR for a specific Y chromosome sequence, SRY, and for the homologous gene of Amelogenin. Results: We didn't find male DNA neither in the tissue from women with SS and male pregnancy nor in the controls. Conclusion: This preliminary study doesn't support the hypothesis of a role of microchimerism in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome, however further analysis should be performed to better clarify the hypothetical association between microchimerism and SS.