Sjögren's Syndrome Insights

This week's must-know community updates, latest research & events

Top Stories

Latest Research

Paeoniflorin, a key component of total glucosides of white paeony, has been explored for its therapeutic effects on Sjögren's syndrome. It inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in submandibular gland cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which is crucial for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

This research suggests that paeoniflorin could offer a promising approach to alleviating symptoms associated with Sjögren's syndrome by targeting specific cellular mechanisms. It may contribute to developing more effective treatments, potentially improving the quality of life for those affected (Jiang et al., 2025).

Clinical Trials

This is a list of upcoming or ongoing clinical trials that are actively recruiting and have been listed or updated in the last two weeks:

Community News

Sjögren's FoundationSjögren's FoundationApr 01, 2025

Sjögren’s disease is one of the most prevalent yet underrecognized autoimmune diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite its impact, awareness remains low, and many patients experience delays in diagnosis and a lack of treatment options.

This month, we invite you to Connect, Learn and Thrive. Connect with the Sjögren’s community,

Learn more about the disease and ways to bring awareness to its impact, and Thrive by accessing resources and support that empower you to live your best life with Sjögren’s.

Click the link below to learn more about Sjögren's Awareness Month:

https://www.sjogrens.org/sjogrensmonth

#ThisIsSjögrens

Sjögren's Foundation Post
Sjögren's FoundationSjögren's FoundationMar 28, 2025

New Blog Alert: The Rise of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disease arises when the body loses the ability to distinguish between its own components (like proteins and nucleic acids) and foreign substances (like viruses), and ultimately, attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. There are over 100 types of autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren’s, system lupus erythematosus (lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes. Due to the dysregulation of the immune system and its complex, overlapping signaling pathways, approximately 25% of people who develop an autoimmune disease will develop another.

Click the link below to read more:

https://sjogrens.org/blog/2025/the-rise-of-autoimmune-diseases

Beyond Sjögren'sBeyond Sjögren'sApr 01, 2025

April is Sjögren's Awareness Month, and we want to take this opportunity to bring awareness to the challenges that people with Sjögren's suffer with:

👉 What is Sjögren's?

Sjögren's is a relatively common autoimmune disease that is most commonly known for damaging moisture producing glands - like tear and saliva glands - causing severe dry eyes and/or mouth.

However, the disease often impacts far more these glands, and can affect the whole body, causing deilitating fatigue, digestive issues, joint and nerve pain, brain fog and more.

👉 How does it affect those who suffer with it?

- They often live with a deep exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest and can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.

- Joint pain, nerve pain, and muscle aches are common and may come and go unpredictably.

- Many also experience brain fog, which makes it difficult to concentrate, find the right words, or think clearly.

- The disease can also affect the gut, pancreas, liver, and nutrient absorption, leading to digestive and nutritional challenges.

- Since it’s an invisible illness, this can bring emotional strain, including feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, and the pressure to keep going despite everything.

- Flare-ups often strike without warning, making it difficult to plan ahead or keep up with daily life.

- Most people spend years searching for answers before finally receiving a diagnosis.

- Many also experience dismissal or a lack of support from health professionals, often due to how nonspecific or misunderstood the symptoms can be.

Despite how life-altering it can be, and how relatively common it is, Sjögren’s receives far less funding and public attention compared to other autoimmune conditions.

People with Sjögren’s deserve to be seen, heard and supported. Let’s hope we can move closer to that goal this April.

Share this post to raise awareness!

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Upcoming Events

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Sjögren's Patient ConferenceOnline Sjögren's Foundation • Reston, VA