Serum 14-3-3η protein is associated with clinical and serologic features of Sjögren’s syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional analysis

Introduction/objectives Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) may coexist and carry a higher risk for future comorbidities. Although 14-3-3η protein is recently a known diagnostic marker in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), its role has not been investigated in SLE. The aim of this study was to compare serum 14-3-3η protein level in SLE and RA patients and to examine its association with clinical and laboratory features in SLE patients. Methods Eighty-four SLE patients and 39 RA patients were included. Sociodemographic, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and damage index were assessed for SLE patients. Data about secondary SS were collected. 14-3-3η was measured by ELISA; titres above 0.19 ng/ml were considered positive. Results Serum 14-3-3η protein in SLE was significantly lower than in RA (0.37 ± 0.09 vs 1.5 ± 0.51; p