The significance of mannan-binding lectin gene alleles in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome

Objective and methods: To investigate the significance of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) gene alleles in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). Genotypes were determined in 65 pSS patients and 138 controls. Results: No difference in MBL genotype or allele frequencies was detected between the pSS patients and controls. However, when the effect of MBL genotypes on the diagnostic findings in pSS patients was assessed, none of the eight patients with 52/w genotype fulfilled four (definite) Californian criteria (P= 0.007). Among these eight the Chisholm-Mason histological grade was >> 3 in only three (P= 0.017). Furthermore, the MBL concentration was lower in patients with 52/w genotype compared to those with wild-type (w/w) genotype (P= 0.035). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MBL structural gene polymorphisms do not influence on susceptibility to pSS. However, MBL may be associated with salivary gland destruction in pSS, and its concentration may be comparable with the intensity of inflammatory reaction. Further studies are warranted to clarify the possible mechanisms involved.