Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:The aim of our study was to investigate the consequences of ocular surface disorders on corneal sensitivity, biological inflammatory and mucous markers in patients suffering from a moderate Sjögren’s syndrome. Methods:Nineteen patients suffering from moderate Sjögrens syndrome were compared to 15 healthy subjects. Ocular surface was assessed with schirmer 1 test, break–up time, fluorescein and lissamine green stainings. Corneal sensitivity was measured with Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer. Impression cytology specimens were used to assess the expression of TFF1 peptide, MUC5AC, and HLA–DR peptide by flow cytometry. Results:There was a significant decrease (p<0,05) of corneal sensitivity in Sjögren’s patients group (4,29 +/– 1,18) compared to healthy subjects (5,64 +/–0,06). Schirmer test and BUT were significantly decreased too (p<0,05). Fluorescein and lissamine green stainings were significantly increased in dry eye group (p<0,05). HLA–DR and TFF1 expression was increased (p<0,05) as well. On the other hand MUC5AC expression was not significatly decreased. Conclusions:Hyposecretion of tears in Sjögren syndrome leads to abnormalities in corneal epithelium and a decline in corneal sensitivity. Well known HLA–DR increase expression is associated with an increase of TFF1 expression. So MUC5AC and TFF1 are no longer correlated in moderate Sjögren syndrome in contrast with healthy patients.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • conjunctiva