Expression of IL-17, IL-23 and Their Receptors in Minor Salivary Glands of Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Abstract EN

The main purpose of this study was to determine the expression of interleukins-17/-23 (ILs-17/-23) and receptors of interleukins-17/-23 (IL-17R, IL-23R) in minor salivary glands (MSGs) of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Expression of IL-17, IL-23 and receptors of IL-17/-23 was analyzed in MSGs from 25 patients with pSS, 25 patients with probable preclinical pSS, and 25 patients with nonautoimmune sicca syndrome by immunohistochemistry.

Comparison of the expression of IL-17, IL-23 and receptors of IL-17, IL-23 in MSG of patients with pSS with probable preclinical pSS, and with nonautoimmune sicca syndrome showed significant differences between three groups.

However, the expression of IL-17, IL-23 and receptors of IL-17/-23 in MSG was comparable in pSS and probable preclinical pSS patients.

We did not find correlation between the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 and of IL-17R and IL-23R in patients with pSS.

These results demonstrate an involvement of IL-17/-23 system in the early pSS pathogenesis.