Inês Martins, PhD, managing science editor —

The tumor protein CA153 may be a valuable blood biomarker for the early diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in people with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), a recent study found. The study, “Increases in tumor markers are associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome-associated interstitial…

Alterations in salivary glands that cause immune cell infiltration in Sjӧgren’s syndrome patients may be triggered by changes in the mouth’s bacterial composition, findings from a recent study suggest. While many bacterial changes were evident, one particular bacterial species was enough to initiate an inflammatory cascade that contributed in…

Vaginal dryness in women with primary Sjögren’s syndrome may be caused by defective blood vessels and an infiltration of immune cells in their vagina and cervix, a new study suggests. The findings were published in the journal Rheumatology in the study, “Vaginal dryness in primary Sjögren’s…

Seasonal changes do not appear to significantly influence the main symptoms of primary Sjögren’s syndrome — pain, fatigue, and dryness — according to a large study. The study, “Seasonal effect on fatigue, pain and dryness in primary Sjögren’s syndrome,” was published in the journal Arthritis Research…

Activating the immune receptor Ly9 significantly reduces the infiltration of immune cells into the salivary glands and kidneys of mice with Sjögren’s syndrome-like disease, without compromising their general immune system — making it a potential therapeutic target for the chronic condition, a study finds. The study, “Ly9 (CD229)…

Difficulties with engaging in sex — including arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction — are significant in women with primary Sjögren’s syndrome compared to healthy women, and sexual function decreases as disease duration increases, a study reports. The findings, “Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Adversely Affects the Female Sexual Function Assessed by…

A combination of leflunomide and hydroxychloroquine significantly reduced disease activity, increased salivary flow, and improved patient-perceived health in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, a pilot trial showed. Findings of the trial were revealed at the recent American College of Rheumatology 2018 Meeting, in Chicago. Timothy Radstake, MD, PhD, from the …

Compounds known as glucosides, extracted from the root of a flower called the Chinese peony, alleviated dryness, lessened fatigue, and reduced overall disease burden in Sjögren’s syndrome patients, a randomized trial in China shows. Trial findings were published in the study, “The efficacy and safety of…

Levels of BST-2 — a molecule involved in fighting virus infections — in salivary glands correlate with disease activity in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, and may serve as a biomarker for diagnosing the condition, a study suggests. The study, “Aberrant expression of the innate restriction factor bone…

Cyclosporine A treatment improves vision and increases tear production in people with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease, including those with Sjögren’s syndrome, an Egyptian study shows. The research, “Efficacy and safety of using topical cyclosporine A for treatment of moderate to severe dry eye disease,” was published in…