Sjögren's disease & overlap diseases
Epithelial senescence predicts salivary dysfunction in Sjögren disease and glandular integrity defines residual capacity
Authors' conclusion
The SMG gland ratio reflects preserved glandular structure, while p16-mediated senescence captures functional vulnerability. Senescence peaks at an intermediate preservation stage, delineating a transitional disease phase in which function deteriorates despite intact architecture.
Study context
- Population
- Anti-SSA-positive Sjögren disease (SjD) patients who underwent US-guided submandibular gland (SMG) core needle biopsy and longitudinal unstimulated whole saliva flow (UWSF) assessments
- Participants
- 51 patients
- Outcome
- Longitudinal change in unstimulated whole saliva flow (UWSF), by SMG gland ratio and ductal p16INK4a expression
Methodological detailsgeneralized estimating equations
- Generalized estimating equations
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Longitudinal UWSF decline
- Higher p16 expression independently predicted greater UWSF decline
- P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
SMG gland ratio associations at baseline
- Gland ratio correlated positively with baseline UWSF, serologic immunologic markers and imaging scores
Ductal p16 expression across gland ratio spectrum
- Inverted U-shaped distribution, peaking at moderate preservation (ratio ≈ 0.55)
Original publication
Epithelial senescence predicts salivary dysfunction in Sjögren disease and glandular integrity defines residual capacity. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 13 April 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →