Date of Award

12-1-2022

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College/School/Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Content Description

1 online resource (iv, 81 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Melinda Larsen

Committee Members

Melinda Larsen, Alex Valm

Keywords

Autoimmune, Biomarkers, Fibrosis, Long non-coding RNA, Oral Microbiome, Sjögren's syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome

Subject Categories

Biology | Cell Biology | Molecular Biology

Abstract

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by a dysfunction in the lachrymal and salivary glands which results in dry eyes and dry mouth. Since its first description in 1892, the disease is one of the most common autoimmune diseases after lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis in the United States. Despite its high prevalence in the general population, Sjögren’s syndrome remains hard to diagnose due to the wide range of symptoms associated with the disease that is also shared by other conditions. Furthermore, the mechanisms behind the pathogenesis are not properly understood even though multiple factors have been proposed to contribute to the disease. There is currently no approved cure or treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome, although the condition can be managed by treating the specific symptoms separately. This review will evaluate the genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that are involved in the development of Sjögren’s syndrome. The different treatment options that are available or should be available to Sjögren’s syndrome patients will also be examined.

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