Marta Figueiredo, PhD, science writer —

The activity of certain “clock genes” — those involved in the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm — is significantly dysregulated in the salivary glands of people with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and a disease mouse model, a study shows. Treatment with melatonin, a hormone that regulates the circadian…

People with Sjögren’s syndrome appear to have imbalances in their oral and gut microbiota relative to healthy individuals, but studies to date provide inconsistent results so that clear conclusions cannot be drawn, a review study reports. Notably, the lack of standardized methodology and appropriate control groups may be behind…

The Sjögren’s Foundation has awarded a total of $200,000 to four U.S. research projects focused on identifying diagnostic biomarkers and improving treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome. The foundation’s Research Grants Program “places a high priority on both clinical and basic scientific research into the cause, prevention, detection, treatment, and cure…

A rare case of pancreatic cancer was reported in a 59-year-old woman two years after she was diagnosed with primary Sjögren’s syndrome. While primary Sjögren’s has been extensively linked to a higher risk of blood cancers, fewer studies have described a potential link with solid cancers. This case supports the importance of…

Rituximab safely and effectively treated sudden interstitial lung disease (ILD) in a 49-year-old man with undiagnosed primary Sjögren’s syndrome, a case study shows. This case adds to a growing number of reports and case series showing that rituximab lessens lung involvement in Sjögren’s patients, further supporting the usefulness…

An accumulation of damaged, pro-inflammatory immune cells, called senescence-associated T-cells, in salivary glands likely underlies gland dysfunction and dry mouth symptoms commonly seen with aging and in Sjögren’s syndrome patients, a study in mice suggests. Notably, this senescent T-cell buildup was found to be associated with an increased production…

The Sjögren’s Foundation is recommending that people with Sjögren’s syndrome ages 16 and older be vaccinated against  COVID-19 infection, and advices patients to talk with their healthcare provider about potential decisions and vaccination timing. The recommendation, released online in a statement, was based on safety and effectiveness…

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) should be considered in children with unexplained kidney and neurological symptoms, and unexplained fever, a study suggests. In the study, “Nephrological disorders and neurological involvement in pediatric primary Sjogren syndrome: a case report and review of literature,” published in the journal Pediatric…

People with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) have significantly higher levels of CD72 — a regulatory protein on B-cells, a type of immune cell associated with pSS — than healthy peers, according to a study from China. Data also highlighted an association between CD72 levels and those of IgG —…

Genetic variations in the complement system — a part of the immune response — contribute to differences between men and women in their susceptibility to Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, and schizophrenia, according to a study. In particular, the study showed that higher levels of complement component 4…