Reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in primary Sjogren's syndrome - Correlations to disease manifestations

The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical and pathogenic signif icance of vitamin D metabolites in primary Sjogren's syndrome (primary SS). We measured blood concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 OH D) and calc itriol (1, 25 (OH)(2) D)vc in 41 patients and correlated the results with b lood levels of various immune activation products, as well as with patients ' clinical status. Levels of 25 OH D were slightly decreased as compared to normal controls and the reduced levels of 25 OH D were stable over the obs erved period of 2 years. Levels of 25 OH D correlated inversely with levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor, status indices for global disease, tota l exocrine disease, surface exocrine disease, internal organ exocrine disea se, and mediator-induced disease. Levels of 1,25 (OH)(2) D varied considera bly and compared to normal control values. Levels of 1,25 (OH)(2) D did not correlate with clinical/immunopathological status. In conclusion the inver se correlations found between levels of 25 OH D and measures of clinical an d immunoinflammatory status support the notion that vitamin D metabolism ma y be involved in the pathogenesis of primary SS.