Higher-than-normal blood levels of uric acid, a body waste product, significantly raise the risk of hypertension among people with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), a study found. Findings suggest that monitoring uric acid levels may be one way to manage hypertension, or high blood pressure, to avoid cardiovascular problems arising later…
Self-targeting antibodies typically associated with a scarring disease called scleroderma are commonly found in people with Sjögren’s syndrome and may be useful in a diagnostic workup of those who have unexplained dryness of the eyes and mouth. That’s according to a study published in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism…
From sharing personal stories and educating others, to raising funds for research, supporters globally are poised to mark World Sjögren’s Day — set aside each July 23 to heighten awareness of the chronic autoimmune disorder. Sjögren’s syndrome is thought to occur in approximately 0.1% to 4% of the general…
Alterations to immune dendritic cells in the eyes of people with Sjögren’s syndrome were associated with both bodywide and eye-related disease severity, a study reported. Using a non-invasive specialized microscope to examine these immune cells on the surface of the eyes might be an objective way of evaluating disease…
Levels of the inflammatory molecule IL-7 were higher in the blood of people with Sjögren’s syndrome compared with healthy people and were linked to greater disease severity and indicators of inflammation, a study found. A deeper review of literature relating to IL-7 and Sjögren’s across animal, cell cultures, and…
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasounds can detect inflammation and lesions in the salivary glands that are suggestive of primary juvenile Sjögren’s syndrome (JSS) before dryness symptoms begin. These tests can help diagnose the disorder early, according to a recent case study that described the progression of JSS…
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from dental tissue eased the signs and symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome in a mouse model, a study indicated. These effects were driven by the cells’ ability to modulate immune responses, according to researchers, who noted that MSCs are “rapid proliferating” and have “strong anti-inflammatory…
The function of immune regulatory T-cells (Tregs) — cells that play a key role in dampening the body’s immune response — is impaired in women with Sjögren’s syndrome, a study suggests. Moreover, blood levels of a protein called sIL-2R were elevated in those with more severe disease. According to…
Researchers have developed a quick, noninvasive way of collecting tear fluid and analyzing the proteins in it — an approach that could eventually be used to identify biomarkers that help to diagnose diseases affecting the eyes, including Sjögren’s syndrome. “We have successfully identified a sensitive approach for discerning the…
Elevated levels in the blood of the protein Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) — an indicator of lung inflammation — may help identify interstitial lung disease (ILD) in people with primary Sjögren’s syndrome who may not show symptoms, a study suggests. “Serum KL-6 level can serve as a valuable…
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