The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between complaints of xerostomia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the total output of the salivary proteins of innate and adaptive immunity.
The salivary output and specific activity of peroxidase and specific contents of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were determined in xerostomic RA patients, nonxerostomic RA patients, and healthy control subjects.
Compared with nonxerostomic RA and healthy control groups, xerostomic RA patients had significantly decreased output of saliva and protein, decreased peroxidase activity, and a significantly lower specific content of peroxidase and sIgA. Compared with the RA control group, xerostomic RA patients had significantly lower specific content of all salivary proteins examined.
The results indicate that xerostomia in patients with RA may be a harbinger of diminished saliva production regarding quantity and quality, and may be indicative of impairment of the salivary immune system of the oral cavity in xerostomic RA patients.