Conclusions
This study shows a strong correlation between CSF Flt3L and tau proteins in pSS patients suggesting ongoing degradation/remodelling in the CNS. In pSS patients, low levels of Flt3L were linked to changes in amyloid turnover and may represent processes similar to those in AD.
Results
Levels of CSF Flt3L in pSS and AD were significantly lower than in FM (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Flt3L in pSS correlated to tau proteins [total tau (T-tau), r = 0.679; phosphorylated tau (P-tau), r = 0.646] and to a marker for microglia activation, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). Similar correlations were present in FM and AD patients. One-third of pSS patients had low levels of CSF Flt3L. This group had decreased levels of amyloid precursor protein metabolites (Aβ40 and Aβ42) in CSF, which was not seen in FM patients. Conclusions: This study shows a strong correlation between CSF Flt3L and tau proteins in pSS patients suggesting ongoing degradation/remodelling in the CNS. In pSS patients, low levels of Flt3L were linked to changes in amyloid turnover and may represent processes similar to those in AD.