Sjogrens Syndrome by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Natural or alternative treatment of Sjogren's syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the body's moisture-producing glands, leading to progressively worsening dry mouth, eyes, vagina and skin, as well as fatigue. The syndrome is associated with rheumatic disorders and can also affect the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas and brain. It is estimated that as many as 4 million in the United States have this syndrome, with most cases occurring in adults 40 years of age or older and in women (90 percent).
Natural, alternative treatment
I am not aware of human studies that have evaluated the role of
herbs and supplements in the treatment of Sjogren's disease. I will update
this site as more information is available.
Green tea for Sjogren's syndrome
Green tea polyphenols reduce autoimmune symptoms in a murine model
for human Sjogren's syndrome and protect human salivary acinar cells from
TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity.
Autoimmunity. 2007 March. Hsu SD, Dickinson DP, Qin H, Borke J,
Ogbureke KU, Winger JN, Camba AM, Bollag WB, Stöppler HJ, Sharawy MM,
Schuster GS. Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology,
School of Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.
Sjogren's syndrome is a relatively common autoimmune disorder. A key
feature of Sjogren's syndrome is lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary
and lacrimal glands, associated with the destruction of secretory
functions of these glands. Current treatment of Sjogren's syndrome targets
the symptoms but is unable to reduce or prevent the damage to the glands.
We reported previously that the major green tea polyphenol
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits autoantigen expression in
normal human keratinocytes and immortalized normal human salivary acinar
cells. However, In this study we demonstrate that in the NOD mouse, a
model for human Sjogren's syndrome, oral administration of green tea
extract reduced the serum total autoantibody levels and the
autoimmune-induced lymphocytic infiltration of the submandibular glands.
Further, we show that EGCG protected normal human salivary acinar cells
from TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, green tea may provide
a degree of protection against autoimmune-induced tissue damage in
Sjogren's syndrome, mediated in part through activation of MAPK elements.
Symptoms of Sjogrens Syndrome
Patients with Sjogren's disease have
several symptoms. Dryness of the mouth and eyes results from involvement
of the salivary and lacrimal glands.
Diagnosis of Sjogren's
Syndrome
Sjogren's
syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the exocrine glands with
associated lymphocytic infiltrates of the affected glands. The accessibility of salivary and lacrimal glands to biopsy enables
study of the molecular biology of a tissue-specific autoimmune process.
The exocrinopathy can be encountered alone (primary Sjogren's syndrome) or
in the presence of another autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid
arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or progressive systemic
sclerosis. A new international consensus for diagnosis requires objective
signs and symptoms of dryness including a characteristic appearance of a
biopsy sample from a minor salivary gland or autoantibody such as
anti-SS-A. Exclusions to the diagnosis include infections with HIV, human
T-lymphotropic virus type I, or hepatitis C virus.
Cause of Sjogrens disease
The cause of primary Sjogren's syndrome
is complex and the factors initiating and driving autoimmunity in this
disease are largely unknown. Certain
disturbances of the immune system (i.e. B-cell hyperreactivity and
enhanced levels of B-cell-activating factor/B-lymphocyte stimulator) play
a central role in this entity. Whether this is a primary abnormality or
the result of predisposing factors or infectious, e.g. viral, agents
remains uncertain..
Sjogrens treatment
Treatment for Sjogren's disease includes topical agents to improve
moisture and decrease inflammation. Systemic therapy includes steroidal
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, disease-modifying agents, and
cytotoxic agents to address the extraglandular manifestations involving
skin, lung, heart, kidneys, and nervous system (peripheral and central)
and haematological and lymphoproliferative disorders. The most difficult
challenge in diagnosis and therapy is patients with symptoms of
fibromyalgia (arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue) and oral and ocular dryness in
the presence of circulating antinuclear antibodies.
Sjogren's and Lymphoma
Compared to the general population, patients with Sjogren's syndrome have an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Sjogren's syndrome and heart disease
Valvular regurgitation, pericardial effusion, pulmonary hypertension and
increased left ventricular mass index occur with a higher frequency in
patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and no clinically apparent heart
disease.
Sjogren's Disease emails
Q. I have Sjogren's Syndrome (mucous membranes do not produce
enough moisture) Also severe hot flashes/night sweats, constipation. Fresh
Rehmannia has been suggested. Does rehmannia help?
A. I have not come across research regarding the use of rehmannia for Sjogren's disease.