Sjögren's Syndrome: Root Causes, Mechanisms & Integrative Support

Sjögren's Syndrome: Root Causes, Mechanisms & Integrative Support

Sjögren's Syndrome is a systemic autoimmune exocrinopathy — a chronic inflammatory disease in which autoreactive lymphocytes target and destroy exocrine glands (salivary, lacrimal, and others), producing the hallmark triad of xerostomia (dry mouth), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), and systemic features affecting joints, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and skin. It is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting an estimated 3–4 million Americans with a striking 9:1 female predominance and peak onset in the fourth and fifth decades. Sjögren's exists as primary (1° SS — standalone) or secondary (2° SS — complicating rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, systemic sclerosis, or other autoimmune disease). Despite its reputation as a "sicca syndrome," Sjögren's is a systemic disease with significant extraglandular manifestations, a 5–44× increased risk of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and meaningful impact on quality of life, function, and longevity.


Pathophysiology: How Sjögren's Destroys Exocrine Function

Sjögren's immunopathology centers on glandular infiltration by CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and B lymphocytes — forming organized lymphocytic aggregates (focal lymphocytic sialadenitis) that progressively destroy acinar cells responsible for fluid secretion. Key mechanisms:

  • Epithelial cell activation: Salivary and lacrimal gland epithelial cells are not passive bystanders — they actively present autoantigens, produce BAFF (B cell activating factor), type I interferons, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-18, CXCL13) that recruit and sustain lymphocytic infiltration. The epithelium is both a target and a driver of inflammation
  • B cell hyperactivation: Sjögren's is a B cell-dominant disease — polyclonal B cell activation generates autoantibodies (anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB), rheumatoid factor, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Germinal center-like structures in glandular tissue produce autoantibodies locally. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies are pathogenic — blocking muscarinic M3 receptors on acinar cells (directly impairing secretion) and activating complement
  • Type I interferon signature: Most Sjögren's patients demonstrate upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG15, MX1, OAS1) in blood and glandular tissue — a type I IFN signature similar to lupus. Endosomal Toll-like receptor activation (TLR7/TLR9 by RNA/DNA immune complexes containing Ro/La antigens) drives plasmacytoid dendritic cell IFN-α production, perpetuating B cell activation and autoantibody generation
  • Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) dysregulation: AQP5 is the primary water channel in salivary and lacrimal acinar cells — anti-Ro antibody-mediated M3 receptor blockade reduces AQP5 trafficking to the apical membrane, impairing the osmotic water transport required for saliva and tear production. This functional secretory failure occurs even before significant acinar cell destruction
  • Neural dysregulation: Autonomic neuropathy — targeting cholinergic secretomotor neurons innervating exocrine glands — compounds glandular destruction, reducing neurally-stimulated secretion. This explains why secretory dysfunction often exceeds the degree of histological gland damage

Root Causes & Pathogenic Drivers

Viral Triggers — EBV, Coxsackievirus, SARS-CoV-2

Molecular mimicry and viral persistence are central to Sjögren's initiation. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most consistently implicated trigger — EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) are present in Sjögren's salivary gland tissue; EBNA proteins share epitopes with Ro/La antigens; and EBV reactivation correlates with disease flares. Coxsackievirus A and B, HCV, HIV, and HTLV-1 have also been implicated in specific populations. Post-COVID-19 Sjögren's-like presentations are increasingly recognized — SARS-CoV-2 directly infects salivary gland ductal cells and may trigger autoimmune sialadenitis through molecular mimicry and type I IFN upregulation. Cross-reference: Viral Triggers & Chronic Infection.

Hormonal Factors — Estrogen Dominance & Androgen Deficiency

The 9:1 female predominance and onset clustering around perimenopause implicate sex hormone dysregulation. Androgens (DHEA, testosterone) are critical for lacrimal and salivary gland function — androgen receptors on acinar cells regulate secretory protein expression and suppress apoptosis. Androgen deficiency (natural with aging or accelerated by estrogen dominance) impairs gland function and promotes pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 skewing. Estrogen in excess promotes B cell survival and autoantibody production via estrogen receptor-mediated BAFF upregulation. This androgen-deficiency model explains the female predominance and is a therapeutic target (DHEA supplementation, low-dose testosterone).

Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis

Sjögren's patients demonstrate consistent gut dysbiosis — reduced Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridiales, and butyrate producers; increased Prevotellaceae and pro-inflammatory taxa. Salivary microbiome dysbiosis is equally significant — reduced oral Streptococcus salivarius (a homeostatic oral commensal) and increased pathogenic species in dry-mouth environments creates a feedforward loop of dysbiosis, inflammation, and further glandular destruction. Cross-reference: Leaky Gut: Root Causes & Integrative Recovery.

Genetic Susceptibility

HLA-DR3/DQ2 haplotype is the strongest genetic risk factor — these MHC class II alleles present Ro/La peptides to autoreactive T cells with high affinity. IRF5 (interferon regulatory factor 5), STAT4, BLK, and TNFSF13B (BAFF gene) polymorphisms each contribute to Sjögren's risk, reflecting the central roles of IFN signaling and B cell survival in pathogenesis.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Vitamin D deficiency is nearly universal in Sjögren's and correlates with disease activity, fatigue severity, and lymphoma risk. Omega-3 deficiency impairs tear film quality (lacrimal gland lipid layer) and promotes pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production. Zinc deficiency impairs salivary gland function (carbonic anhydrase VI, a zinc enzyme, is a major salivary protein essential for taste and mucosal protection). Magnesium deficiency worsens fatigue, myalgia, and autonomic dysfunction.

Sicca-Accelerating Medications

Many commonly prescribed medications worsen sicca symptoms — anticholinergics (antihistamines, tricyclics, bladder medications), diuretics, beta-blockers, SSRIs, antipsychotics, isotretinoin, and NSAIDs all reduce salivary or lacrimal output. A medication review is essential in every Sjögren's patient — switching to less anticholinergic alternatives often produces dramatic symptomatic improvement.


Clinical Manifestations

Glandular Features

  • Xerostomia (dry mouth): Difficulty swallowing dry foods, altered taste, burning oral mucosa, accelerated dental caries (saliva's protective buffering and antimicrobial functions are lost), oral candidiasis, parotid gland enlargement (bilateral, non-tender — in ~25%)
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes): Gritty/sandy foreign body sensation, photophobia, blurred vision, ocular fatigue. Severe cases: corneal erosions, filamentary keratitis, corneal scarring leading to vision loss
  • Other exocrine glands: Vaginal dryness (dyspareunia in 60%+), dry skin (xerosis), reduced sweating, chronic dry cough from tracheal/bronchial sicca

Systemic/Extraglandular Features

  • Fatigue: The most debilitating symptom for most patients — profound, unrefreshing fatigue affecting 70%+ of primary SS patients; poorly correlated with glandular disease activity; driven by neuroinflammation, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disruption, and cytokine burden
  • Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia/arthritis (non-erosive, typically) in 60–70%; myalgia; fibromyalgia overlap common
  • Pulmonary: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in 10–20% — non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) most common pattern; follicular bronchiolitis; pleuritis
  • Renal: Tubulointerstitial nephritis (most common) — renal tubular acidosis type 1 (distal RTA) producing hypokalemia, nephrocalcinosis; glomerulonephritis (membranous, mesangial) in fewer patients
  • Neurological: Peripheral neuropathy (sensory > motor; small fiber neuropathy causing burning pain/autonomic symptoms very common); cranial neuropathies; CNS involvement (cognitive impairment, MS-like presentations, myelopathy); autonomic neuropathy
  • Skin: Annular erythema, hypergammaglobulinemic purpura (palpable purpura from cryoglobulinemia — a lymphoma risk marker), Raynaud's phenomenon
  • Lymphoma risk: 5–44× increased Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk vs. general population — primarily mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma arising in salivary glands; also diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Risk markers: persistent parotid enlargement, palpable purpura, low C4, cryoglobulinemia, high focus score on lip biopsy, lymphopenia

Diagnosis

The 2016 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria assigns points for:

  • Anti-Ro/SSA positivity (3 points)
  • Focal lymphocytic sialadenitis on lip (minor salivary gland) biopsy with focus score ≥1 foci/4mm² (3 points)
  • Abnormal ocular staining score (1 point)
  • Schirmer's test ≤5mm/5min (1 point)
  • Unstimulated salivary flow rate ≤0.1ml/min (1 point)

Score ≥4 = classified as Sjögren's. Anti-La/SSB, ANA, RF may support diagnosis but are not scored. Exclusions: IgG4-related disease, sarcoidosis, HCV infection, HIV, lymphoma, GvHD, past head/neck radiation.


Conventional Treatment

Sicca Symptom Management

  • Artificial tears: Preservative-free (BAK-free) formulations multiple times daily; viscous drops or gels for severe dry eye; lubricating eye ointments at night. Punctal plugs block tear drainage, extending residence time of tears
  • Cyclosporine ophthalmic (Restasis, Cequa): Topical calcineurin inhibitor reducing lacrimal gland T cell inflammation; improves tear production over 3–6 months. Lifitegrast (Xiidra) — LFA-1 antagonist blocking T cell-ICAM-1 interaction in lacrimal tissue; faster onset than cyclosporine
  • Pilocarpine (Salagen): Muscarinic M3 agonist stimulating residual glandular secretion; 5mg 4× daily; improves both dry eye and dry mouth. Side effects: sweating, urinary frequency, GI upset
  • Cevimeline (Evoxac): More selective M3 agonist with longer half-life; 30mg 3× daily; preferred over pilocarpine for tolerability
  • Oral hygiene: Fluoride treatments, remineralizing toothpaste, xylitol gum/lozenges, antifungal treatment for oral candidiasis, frequent dental monitoring

Systemic Immunosuppression

  • Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): Standard background immunomodulator — 200–400mg/day; reduces systemic inflammation, fatigue, arthralgia, and hypergammaglobulinemia; does not improve sicca symptoms significantly; requires annual ophthalmology screening (macular toxicity)
  • Methotrexate: For inflammatory arthritis, ILD, or systemic features; 10–25mg weekly with folate supplementation
  • Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept): For ILD, nephritis, or systemic inflammation; 2–3g/day
  • Rituximab (anti-CD20): B cell depletion; most evidence for cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and MALT lymphoma; mixed results for sicca symptoms in RCTs (TRACTISS, TEARS trials — primary endpoints not met, but benefit in some extraglandular features and high disease activity subgroups)
  • Corticosteroids: For acute systemic flares, ILD, nephritis, neuropathy — short-course bridging; minimize long-term use given side effects

Repurposed Drugs with Sjögren's Evidence

Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

LDN (1.5–4.5mg nightly) modulates TLR4 on microglial and immune cells — reducing neuroinflammation driving fatigue, pain, and autonomic dysfunction, the most disabling Sjögren's symptoms. Emerging use in autoimmune conditions generally with favorable safety profile. Particularly relevant for Sjögren's fatigue and small fiber neuropathy pain — where conventional options are limited. Cross-reference: Low-Dose Naltrexone: Complete Guide.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

Topical and oral DHEA address the androgen deficiency central to Sjögren's glandular dysfunction. Intrarosa (prasterone, vaginal DHEA insert) is FDA-approved for dyspareunia — directly relevant to the vaginal sicca of Sjögren's. Oral DHEA 50mg/day shows modest improvement in fatigue, well-being, and global disease activity in small SS trials, and supports lacrimal/salivary androgen receptor-mediated gland function. Monitor DHEA-S levels.

Metformin

AMPK activation reduces mTORC1-driven B cell proliferation and autoantibody production — mechanistically relevant to Sjögren's B cell hyperactivation. Reduces systemic inflammation and may reduce lymphoma risk via mTOR suppression (mTOR is activated in MALT lymphoma). Additionally improves fatigue via mitochondrial biogenesis. Observational data in autoimmune disease broadly suggests reduced disease activity and malignancy risk.

Low-Dose Aspirin

Reduces cryoglobulinemic vasculitis risk and platelet-mediated microvascular inflammation; relevant for Sjögren's patients with purpura, Raynaud's, or cryoglobulinemia. 81mg daily unless contraindicated.

Statins

Pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects — reduce BAFF levels, suppress Th1/Th17 responses, improve endothelial function relevant to Raynaud's and vasculitis, and reduce lymphoma risk via mTOR and NF-κB inhibition. Consider in Sjögren's patients with concurrent cardiovascular risk or elevated inflammatory markers.


Vitamins, Supplements & Compounds

Vitamin D3 + K2

Vitamin D deficiency is near-universal in Sjögren's and correlates with ESSDAI (disease activity) scores, fatigue severity, and lymphoma risk. Vitamin D suppresses BAFF production, reduces Th17 activity, promotes Treg expansion, and directly regulates exocrine gland epithelial cell function. Target 25(OH)D: 60–80 ng/mL. Dose: 5,000–8,000 IU/day D3 + K2 MK-7 100–200mcg. Monitor levels every 3–6 months. Reference: Agmon-Levin N et al., Ann Rheum Dis, 2012.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

Omega-3s are particularly relevant to Sjögren's dry eye — the tear film lipid layer (meibomian gland secretion) is omega-3 dependent; EPA/DHA deficiency produces tear film instability independent of lacrimal gland inflammation. Multiple RCTs confirm omega-3 supplementation improves tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's scores, and ocular surface staining in dry eye disease. Additionally reduce systemic inflammation, cryoglobulinemia, and arthralgia. Dose: 3–4g EPA+DHA daily. Reference: Bhargava R et al., Contact Lens Anterior Eye, 2013.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

Depleted glutathione in Sjögren's glandular tissue contributes to oxidative stress-mediated acinar cell apoptosis. NAC replenishes GSH, reduces apoptosis of secretory cells, and decreases mucus viscosity — improving the quality (not just quantity) of remaining secretions. Oral NAC 600mg twice daily; topical NAC eye drops (5–10% compounded) used off-label for mucolytic effect on dry eye mucous strands. Reference: Walters MT et al., Br J Rheumatol, 1986.

Pilocarpus (Jaborandi) — Natural M3 Agonist

The plant source of pharmaceutical pilocarpine — Pilocarpus jaborandi leaf extracts contain pilocarpine alkaloids at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Traditional use for dry mouth and eye conditions predates pharmaceutical synthesis. Standardized extracts provide a gentler, sustained-release alternative to pharmaceutical pilocarpine with potentially reduced side effects. Dose: standardized to pilocarpine content; use under practitioner guidance given narrow therapeutic window.

Hyaluronic Acid (Oral & Topical)

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a critical glycosaminoglycan in salivary and lacrimal gland interstitium and tear film — reduced in Sjögren's. Oral HA (120–240mg/day low-molecular-weight HA) shows benefit for dry mouth symptoms — providing substrate for mucosal hydration and restoring salivary rheology. Topical HA eye drops (0.1–0.4%) are superior lubricants for dry eye, matching tear film viscosity while supporting corneal epithelial healing. Preservative-free HA drops are first-line lubricant choice for Sjögren's keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency impairs carbonic anhydrase VI (CA-VI) production — the primary zinc metalloenzyme in saliva, critical for pH buffering, taste perception, and mucosal protection. Sjögren's patients frequently have low salivary CA-VI. Zinc supplementation (15–25mg zinc glycinate daily) supports residual salivary gland function, enhances taste, and reduces oral candidiasis susceptibility. Pair with 1–2mg copper to prevent depletion.

Magnesium Glycinate

Addresses the fatigue, myalgia, sleep disturbance, and autonomic dysfunction central to Sjögren's morbidity — all worsened by magnesium deficiency. Magnesium also reduces NMDA receptor-mediated pain sensitization underlying the fibromyalgia-like pain common in Sjögren's. Dose: 300–500mg elemental magnesium glycinate at night.

CoQ10 / Ubiquinol

Mitochondrial dysfunction drives the profound, unrefreshing fatigue of Sjögren's — particularly in patients with autonomic neuropathy and disrupted sleep architecture. Ubiquinol 200–400mg daily reduces fatigue and oxidative stress markers. Also supports salivary gland mitochondrial function — acinar cell secretion is energy-intensive. Cross-reference: CoQ10 & PQQ: Mitochondrial Energy.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (R-ALA)

A mitochondrial antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress in exocrine gland tissue, supports autonomic nerve function (reducing autonomic neuropathy progression), and regenerates glutathione and vitamin C. Particularly relevant for Sjögren's peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. Dose: 300–600mg R-ALA daily. Reference: Battisti E et al., J Clin Rheumatol, 2008.

Probiotics & Prebiotics

Restoring gut and oral microbiome diversity addresses multiple Sjögren's pathways simultaneously — reduced butyrate production from gut dysbiosis promotes Th17 expansion and reduces Tregs; oral dysbiosis worsens caries risk and mucosal inflammation. Lactobacillus salivarius and Streptococcus salivarius K12 (BLIS K12) specifically colonize oral mucosa, reducing pathogenic burden and supporting salivary gland health. Dose: 50 billion CFU multi-strain gut probiotic + BLIS K12 oral probiotic (lozenges, not swallowed capsules). Prebiotic: inulin/FOS 5–10g daily.


Botanical Treatments

Aloe Vera (Inner Leaf Gel)

Oral aloe vera gel (preservative-free inner leaf) is one of the most clinically relevant botanicals for Sjögren's xerostomia — stimulating residual salivary secretion, providing mucosal hydration, buffering oral pH, and inhibiting oral candidal adhesion. A 2014 RCT demonstrated aloe vera gel significantly improved dry mouth symptoms and salivary flow in SS patients vs. placebo. Topical aloe eye gel is used for ocular surface soothing. Dose: 30ml preservative-free inner leaf gel 2–3× daily, swished and swallowed. Reference: Ngo Q et al., Int J Dent, 2014.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Slippery elm bark mucilage is a complex polysaccharide that coats and soothes dry mucous membranes — oral, esophageal, and gastric. A demulcent par excellence for xerostomia — not a secretagogue, but a mucosal protectant and lubricant that reduces the burning discomfort and swallowing difficulty of dry mouth. Particularly valuable at meals and bedtime. Dose: 1–2 tsp powder in warm water as a gel, 3× daily; or lozenges formulated for dry mouth.

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

Rich in arabinogalactans and mucilaginous polysaccharides — marshmallow root creates a soothing, lubricating film over dry mucous membranes. Reduces oral irritation, supports esophageal mucosa (important in dysphagia from xerostomia), and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Cold-water extraction preserves mucilage better than hot infusion. Dose: cold-water extract (2 tbsp root powder steeped overnight in 1L cold water, strained) — drink throughout day; or 500–1,000mg capsules 3× daily.

Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

NF-κB suppression, BAFF reduction, Th17 inhibition, and Treg promotion — curcumin addresses multiple Sjögren's pathogenic pathways simultaneously. Reduces salivary gland inflammation and systemic arthralgia. Dose: 500–1,000mg bioavailable curcumin (BCM-95 or phytosome) daily. Synergistic with boswellia for systemic inflammation. Cross-reference: Curcumin: The Gold Standard Anti-Inflammatory Botanical.

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata — AKBA)

5-LOX inhibition reduces leukotriene-driven neutrophilic and lymphocytic tissue infiltration. Particularly useful for Sjögren's ILD component (reducing airway inflammation) and arthralgias. Dose: 400mg AKBA-standardized extract (≥30% AKBA) 2–3× daily with food.

Green Tea Extract (EGCG)

EGCG inhibits BAFF-mediated B cell survival, reduces anti-Ro/SSA autoantibody production in animal SS models, and protects salivary gland epithelium from apoptosis. Also inhibits cathepsin S — a protease upregulated in Sjögren's glandular tissue that degrades the extracellular matrix. Additionally provides antioxidant protection for the ocular surface. Dose: 400–600mg EGCG standardized extract daily. Cross-reference: EGCG: The Neuroprotective Polyphenol. Reference: Masuoka S et al., Sci Rep, 2017.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Sjögren's patients are highly susceptible to recurrent viral infections — reduced mucosal IgA (from impaired salivary gland secretion) eliminates the first-line mucosal immune barrier. Elderberry's documented antiviral and immune-stimulating properties (inhibiting viral neuraminidase, enhancing NK cell activity) reduce viral infection frequency — critical given EBV and other viral triggers of Sjögren's flares. Dose: 500mg elderberry extract daily for maintenance; increase at infection onset.

Evening Primrose Oil (GLA — Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

GLA from evening primrose oil is converted to dihomo-GLA (DGLA) — a substrate for anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which stimulates secretory IgA production, reduces mast cell degranulation in lacrimal tissue, and improves tear film quality. Multiple small studies support GLA benefit in dry eye disease. Dose: 1,000–2,000mg evening primrose oil (10–20% GLA) daily. Synergistic with omega-3 EPA/DHA. Reference: Kokke KH et al., Cornea, 2008.


Integrated Protocol Summary

Foundation (All Sjögren's Patients)

  • Vitamin D3: 5,000–8,000 IU/day + K2 MK-7 100–200mcg (titrate to 60–80 ng/mL)
  • Omega-3 EPA/DHA: 3–4g/day (tear film + systemic inflammation)
  • Magnesium glycinate: 300–500mg elemental at night
  • NAC: 600–1,200mg twice daily
  • CoQ10/Ubiquinol: 200–400mg daily (fatigue)
  • Zinc glycinate: 15–25mg + copper 1–2mg daily
  • Preservative-free HA eye drops: as needed throughout day
  • Aloe vera inner leaf gel: 30ml 2–3× daily for xerostomia
  • Slippery elm or marshmallow root: daily demulcent for dry mucosa
  • Oral probiotic (BLIS K12): daily lozenge for oral microbiome support

Systemic/Inflammatory Disease

  • Curcumin BCM-95: 500–1,000mg daily
  • Boswellia (AKBA 30%): 400mg 2–3× daily
  • EGCG: 400–600mg daily
  • R-Lipoic acid: 300–600mg daily (neuropathy + oxidative stress)
  • Discuss hydroxychloroquine with rheumatologist for systemic disease

Fatigue / Neurological Symptoms

  • LDN: 1.5–4.5mg nightly
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine: 1,000–2,000mg daily
  • B-complex (methylcobalamin, P5P, methylfolate): daily
  • Ashwagandha (KSM-66): 300–600mg daily (HPA axis, fatigue)

Lymphoma Risk Reduction

  • Annual rheumatology monitoring: ESSDAI, CBC, complement (C3/C4), cryoglobulins, immunoglobulins, LDH
  • USS parotid monitoring if persistent enlargement
  • EGCG + curcumin + melatonin (mTOR-inhibiting, B cell-suppressing combination)
  • Discuss metformin with physician for mTOR suppression

Key Citations

  • Ramos-Casals M et al. Primary Sjögren syndrome. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2020;6:52.
  • Agmon-Levin N et al. Vitamin D and autoimmunity: new aetiological and therapeutic considerations. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013;72(9):1455-1461.
  • Bhargava R et al. Oral omega-3 fatty acids treatment in computer vision syndrome related dry eye. Contact Lens Anterior Eye. 2015;38(3):206-210.
  • Masuoka S et al. EGCG inhibits cathepsin S in Sjögren's syndrome. Sci Rep. 2017;7:46028.
  • Kokke KH et al. Oral essential fatty acid supplementation in keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Cornea. 2008;27(2):175-181.
  • Battisti E et al. Antioxidant treatment with alpha lipoic acid in Sjögren's syndrome. J Clin Rheumatol. 2008;14(3):141-145.
  • Walters MT et al. A double-blind, cross-over, study of oral N-acetylcysteine in Sjögren's syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1986;61:253-258.

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