A DIAGNOSTIC model has been developed for primary Sjögren’s disease (pSjD), utilizing salivary biomarkers, serum autoantibodies, and Schirmer’s test. This is aimed at reducing reliance on invasive minor salivary gland biopsies and has the potential to transform diagnostic approaches in clinical practice.
The study employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify key salivary proteins associated with immune responses in patients with pSjD compared to non-Sjögren controls. Among the upregulated proteins in the pSjD group were complement C3 (C3), complement factor B (CFB), clusterin (CLU), calreticulin (CALR), and neutrophil elastase (NE). Subsequent ELISA testing confirmed the significance of CFB, CLU, and NE as independent predictors of pSjD.
A diagnostic model combining these salivary biomarkers with serum autoantibodies (anti-SSA/Ro60 and anti-SSA/Ro52) and Schirmer’s test achieved remarkable accuracy. In the derivation cohort of 186 patients, the model demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.930, with a sensitivity of 84.85% and a specificity of 92.45%. The validation cohort of 72 patients yielded similarly high performance, confirming the robustness of the model.
This 6-biomarker panel offers significant clinical implications. By providing a highly accurate, non-invasive alternative to traditional biopsies, it holds potential for earlier detection and improved patient outcomes. The integration of salivary biomarker analysis with existing diagnostic criteria could streamline pSjD classification, sparing patients from invasive procedures.
With its combination of high sensitivity and specificity, this non-invasive diagnostic approach marks a significant step forward in the classification of primary Sjögren’s disease.
Reference: Zhang X et al. A non-invasive model for diagnosis of primary Sjogren’s disease based on salivary biomarkers, serum autoantibodies, and Schirmer’s test. Arthritis Res Ther. 2024;(26):217.
