Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Immune Profile of Saliva and Serum of Patients With Primary Sjögren´s Syndrome

Brazil80 participantsStarted 2018-12-01

Plain-language summary

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease, which mainly affects the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to sicca syndrome. pSS has a probable autoimmune etiology, with the production of several autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, rheumatoid factor (RF) and cryoglobulins. Recently, our group described a high frequency of antibodies directed to DNase I in the serum of pSS patients and these antibodies were associated with the presence of the anti-Epstein-Barr (EBV) early antigen diffuse (anti-EA-D). This finding becomes interesting considering the recent description of reduction of DNase I activity in the tear of patients with xerophthalmia of different causes, which would result in an accumulation of extracellular DNA and neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate on the ocular surface. This hypothesis is reinforced by the observation that treatment with DNase I as eye drops results in clinical improvement of dry eye. In addition, it has been shown that periodontal disease is an aggravating factor of xerostomia in pSS, as it leads to a chronic inflammatory process and, consequently, to the destruction of minor salivary glands. Therefore, the objective of the present study will be to evaluate the presence of antibodies directed to DNase I in the saliva and serum of pSS patients and its possible capacity of inhibition of the enzyme before and after treatment of periodontal disease. Such findings will be correlated with the presence of periodontal disease, with the glandular and extraglandular manifestations of SSp and also with the presence of EBV DNA in the serum and oral lavage of these patients.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome according to 2016 EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria, and healthy people without any rheumatic disease/symptoms of sicca syndrome * Patients regularly followed at the Sjögren's Syndrome outpatient clinic of Rheumatology Division Exclusion Criteria: * Use of drugs that cause oral dryness (mainly antidepressants and antihistamines). * Patients with history of head and neck radiation therapy. * Current smoking. * Pregnancy and/or lactation. * History of periodontal treatment for at least 6 months prior to enrollment.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change from baseline Xerostomia Inventory Score at 3 months

Timeframe: Change from baseline Xerostomia Inventory Score at 3 months

Change from baseline activity of DNAse I enzyme in saliva at 3 months

Timeframe: Change from baseline activity of DNAse I enzyme in saliva at 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03711214

SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-10-13

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Sjogren's Syndrome trials