We investigated the clinical and
biological significance of
germinal centers (GC) present in the
minor salivary glands of
patients with
Sjogren's syndrome (SS).
Minor salivary gland tissue biopsies from 93
patients with SS were used to identify GC-like structures, which were confirmed by CD21-positive
follicular dendritic cell networks.
Patients were compared based upon sociodemographics, glandular and extraglandular manifestations, and
laboratory findings including
autoantibody profiles,
complement, and
immunoglobulin levels; EULAR SS
disease activity index (ESSDAI) and SS
disease damage index (SSDDI) were also measured. GC-like structures were observed in 28 of 93 SS
patients (30.1%). Mean focus scores and CRP levels were significantly higher in GC-positive
patients than in GC-negative
patients; GC-positive
patients also exhibit a higher
prevalence of
rheumatoid factor and anti-SS-A/Ro
antibodies compared to GC-negative
patients. No differences in glandular or extra-glandular manifestations were evident between groups. In conclusion, SS
patients with GC-like structures in the
minor salivary glands exhibited
laboratory profiles significantly different from those of their GC-negative counterparts. Long-term follow-up of these
patients will be necessary to determine whether these
laboratory abnormalities are predictive of clinical outcomes.