Assessing mucosal immunity in patients with oral diseases associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The association between diseases of connective tissue and oral cavity is of increased interest for scientists because they can contribute to the burden of the pathological process of each other and the occurrence of recurrences. Given that autoimmune disorders in rheumatoid arthritis are the main ones, it is advisable to study the oral cavity's specific and non-specific immunity features in associated diseases. Methods. The research group included 19 patients with benign migratory glossitis and 16 patients with atrophic glossitis. 15 practically healthy persons made up the control group. The levels of IgA and IgG and lysozyme were determined by immunodiffusion according to Mancinimethod and with the use of biomass powder of Micrococcus lysodeicticus, respectively. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using Statistica 6.1. Results. The high levels of IgG in the oral fluid were found in both research groups (p<0.001). In patients with benign migratory glossitis, high levels of secretory IgA (p>0.05) and serum IgA (p<0.001) were found, while in patients with atrophic glossitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, there was a significant decrease in the content of sIgA and lysozyme and a similar increase in mIgA content. Conclusions. Oral mucosal diseases associated with RA are accompanied by suppression of defense mechanisms of the oral cavity and its local immunity, which is characterized by a decrease in the levels of lysozyme and secretory IgA in the oral fluid of patients.