Association of transforming growth factor beta1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha polymorphisms with anti-SSB/La antibody secretion in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Objective: To determine whether cytokine gene polymorphisms of interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) predispose subjects to the development of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods: Single-base-exchange cytokine gene polymorphisms were analyzed in 129 French patients with primary SS who fulfilled the American-European Consensus Group criteria, as well as in 96 unrelated healthy subjects.

Results: The frequency of the TNF-308A (TNF2) allele was significantly higher in the SS patients (26% versus 11%).