Analysis of TNFalpha microsatellites in 35 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Although the cause of Sjogren's syndrome remains unknown, many arguments suggest a role for both environmental and genetic factors. An association with HLA molecules has been established. Other genes on the short arm of chromosome 6 may be involved, most notably the TNF gene, which may be pivotal in the development of the epithelial lesions. METHODS: We investigated TNFalpha microsatellites in 35 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome and in 146 healthy controls. RESULTS: The frequency of the TNFalpha10 allele showed a non-significant increase in the Sjogren's disease group (28.6% vs 15.8%; P = NS). We found significant increases when we considered only those Sjogren's disease patients with joint manifestations (N = 24; 37.5% vs 15.7%; P < 0.05) or only those with anti-Ro(SSA) antibodies (N = 10; 50% vs 15.7%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data support a role for the TNFalpha10 allele in primary Sjogren's syndrome, particularly those forms with joint symptoms and anti-Ro(SS-A) antibodies.