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Review
. 2015 Feb;35(2):233-41.
doi: 10.1007/s00296-014-3072-5. Epub 2014 Jul 2.

Sjögren's syndrome: still not fully understood disease

Maria Maślińska  1 , Małgorzata Przygodzka, Brygida Kwiatkowska, Katarzyna Sikorska-Siudek
Affiliations
Review

Sjögren's syndrome: still not fully understood disease

Maria Maślińska et al. Rheumatol Int. 2015 Feb.

Abstract

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder with external exocrine glands dysfunction and multiorgan involvement. The pathogenesis of primary Sjogren's syndrome is still unclear; however, our knowledge of the involvement of different cells (e.g., B and T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells) and pathways (BAFF/APRIL and interferons) leading to the development of autoimmunity is continually expanding. For clinicians, the most frequent symptoms are dryness of eyes and mouth, but often the patients have musculoskeletal symptoms and systemic manifestations. However, the increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders in this group of patients, most commonly B-cell marginal zone lymphoma, is particularly important. Recent separation of IgG4-related diseases and attempts to create further diagnostic criteria for pSS testify to the difficulties, and at the same time a large interest, in understanding the disease so as to allow the effective treatment. This article draws attention to the problems faced by the clinician wishing to securely identify pSS by using accurate laboratory biomarkers and useful imaging tools and predict the development of complications associated with this, still not fully understood, autoimmune disease.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Sjögren’s syndrome outline of pathogenesis. TLRs toll-like receptors, INF interferon, BAFF B-cell activating factor, IL interleukin, DC dendritic cell, B B cell, Th T cell, TNF tumor necrosis factor, PC plasmocytic cell
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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