Salivary transforming growth factor alpha in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and reflux laryngitis

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Nov-Dec;80(6):462-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2014.08.006. Epub 2014 Aug 27.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Introduction: Saliva plays a key role in the homeostasis of the digestive tract, through its inorganic components and its protein growth factors. Sjögren's syndrome patients have a higher prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Decreased salivary transforming growth factor alpha levels were observed in dyspeptic patients, but there have been no studies in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Objective: To compare the salivary transforming growth factor alpha levels of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux to those of healthy controls.

Methods: This is a prospective controlled study. Twelve patients with Sjögren's syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux and 11 controls were prospectively evaluated. Spontaneous and stimulated saliva samples were obtained to establish salivary transforming growth factor alpha concentrations.

Results: The salivary transforming growth factor alpha levels of patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Five patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux also had erosive esophagitis; their salivary transforming growth factor alpha levels were comparable to controls.

Conclusion: Salivary transforming growth factor alpha level was significantly higher in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux when compared to the control group.

Introdução: A saliva exerce influência primordial na homeostase do sistema digestório, pelos seus componentes inorgânicos e pelos fatores de crescimento. Indivíduos com síndrome de Sjögren (SS) apresentam maior incidência da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) e do refluxo laringofaríngeo (RLF). Concentrações salivares diminuídas do fator transformador de crescimento-alfa (TGF-α) foram observadas em doentes dispépticos, porém não há estudos em populações com SS e RLF.

Objetivo: Comparar concentrações salivares do TGF-α; de indivíduos com SS e RLF a de controles saudáveis.

Método: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo controlado. Doze pacientes com SS e RLF e 11 indivíduos controles saudáveis tiveram amostras salivares espontâneas e estimuladas coletadas para estabelecer concentração de TGF-α.

Resultados: A concentração salivar de TGF-α; foi estatisticamente maior no grupo estudo para ambas amostras. Este aumento foi confirmado nos sete indivíduos do grupo estudo que não apresentavam esofagite erosiva quando comparados ao grupo controle, porém não houve diferença estatística da concentração de TGF-α; entre pacientes do grupo estudo que apresentavam esofagite erosiva em comparação ao grupo controle.

Conclusão: A concentração salivar de TGF-α; foi estatisticamente maior no grupo de indivíduos com SS e RLF, sem esofagite erosiva.

Keywords: Epidermal growth factor; Fator de crescimento epidérmico; Fator transformador de crescimento alfa; Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Refluxo laringofaríngeo; Saliva; Sjögren's syndrome; Síndrome de Sjögren; Transforming growth factor alpha; Xerostomia.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngopharyngeal Reflux / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Saliva / chemistry*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / analysis
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha