Proteomic analysis of secretion from human transplanted submandibular gland replacing lacrimal gland with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

PURPOSE: Proteomic analysis of secretions from transplanted or non-transplanted submandibular glands in patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca and tears from normal eyes.

EXPERIMENTAL

DESIGN

Secretions from submandibular glands transplanted to replace lacrimal glands and non-transplanted submandibular glands were collected at 1year from 5 patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca undergoing transplantation, and tears were collected from 3 normal subjects. 2-D electrophoresis (2-DE), then mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins. Western blot analysis was used to confirm protein expression.

RESULTS

We identified 34 and 11 distinct proteins in the saliva from transplanted submandibular glands and tears, respectively. The saliva from transplanted submandibular glands contained almost all the proteins abundant in tear fluid. The functions of identified proteins in the saliva from transplanted submandibular gland were mainly immune response and anti-bacterial. In total, 7 proteins showed differential expression between the saliva of transplanted and non-transplanted submandibular glands. The upregulation of short palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma-associated protein 2 and carbonic anhydrase VI was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Identified proteins in saliva from transplanted submandibular glands may protect ocular structures. These findings can help in understanding the functional status of transplanted submandibular glands.