The scientific and medical communities are rapidly learning more about the human microbiome and the role it plays in our health, but there are still many gaps that need to be addressed. The purpose of this study would be to focus on identifying the relationship between the microbiome and a systemic disease state, helping to inform new methods for translating knowledge about the micriobiome into better, more efficient... more »

For many autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's, a lack of clinical, hematological and histological biomarkers has proven to be a hindrance to our understanding, management, and treatment of the disease. This study would focus on identifying such biomarkers in patients with autoimmune diseases to help improve diagnosis, better classify patients, and identify risk factors, and have the potential to show improvement with... more »

This study would focus on identifying the reasons why a range of high-burden diseases, including Sjögren's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and more, share overlapping disease characteristics. A better understanding of why this is would be greatly beneficial to a large group of patients with high-burden, costly illnesses, which often result in a decrease in quality of life and have negative economic implications.... more »

For Sjögren's, and other autoimmune diseases, a lack of reliable diagnostic tools makes an accurate and timely diagnosis difficult. This, of course, is detrimental to the patient and delays the appropriate care being received. This study would focus on the identification and development of better diagnostic tools for autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's, which could then result in more timely and accurate diagnoses... more »

Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's, manifest themselves in a wide variety of ways in patients. However, a common thread in many of these diseases is fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfuction, or "brain fog." These physical and mental manifestations can have serious, debilitating, consequences for those who suffer with them. A better understanding of the pathways of these manifestations will allow for a more informed... more »

Peripheral neuropathies are common in Sjögren's and related autoimmune diseases and can be a presenting symptom of Sjögren's. Burning pain and numbness in the extremities, trigeminal neuralgias, weakness, poor balance and altered gait can occur. Symptoms can interfere greatly with quality of life and function. This study would focus on identifying better treatments to address these symptoms in Sjögren's and autoimmune... more »

Patients with autoimmune diseases have been found to be at a higher risk of certain types of cancers, particularly hematologic cancers. A recent study found that patients with Sjögren's were eleven times more likely to develop a hematologic cancer compared to patients without Sjögren's. The purpose of this study is to identify the pathogenic mechanisms leading to the development of blood and other cancers in patients... more »

Children often present differently with Sjögren's when compared with adults leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, awareness of Sjögren's in children among clinicians is low, which may further delay diagnosis and treatment. This study would focus on learning how to better identify, manage, and treat Sjögren's in this special population and how disease expression and pathways differ in children compared... more »

Many people suffer from reflux and GERD, including patients with Sjögren's and scleroderma. Recently, bone fractures occurring with long-term proton pump inhibitors have been reported, and this, in conjunction with commonly used corticosteroids, which can lead to fragile bones, has led to many Sjögren's patients being fearful of treating their GERD with PPIs. This study would focus on identifying a new class of drugs... more »

Dry mouth, which can occur due to the prevalent systemic autoimmune disease, Sjögren's; in response to radiation treatment; and as a side effect of medications, causes rampant tooth decay and loss. We need better restoration materials that work well in a dry mouth and improvements in dental implants when restoration doesn’t work. This study would determine the best prevention, management and treatment plans for dental... more »

It is known that the autoantibody SSA can lead to heart block in the fetuses of mothers with Sjögren's and lupus. However, not everyone who is positive for SSA has a fetus with heart block. This study would focus on fine-tuning the risk factors for fetal heart-block in to improve the odds of preventing its occurrence

Tinnitus and hearing loss can occur as a side effect of hydroxychloroquine and other medications, which are frequently prescribed to treat symptoms of Sjögren's and lupus. This study would focus on identifying how we can reduce the risk of these hearing-related symptoms and investigate potential ways to restore full hearing.

Retinal damage is a serious and feared side effect of hydroxychloroquine, a frequently prescribed treatment for Sjogren's and lupus patients. Though we have sensitive tests and guidelines for monitoring patients on the therapy, more information is needed on how we can reverse the potential progression of damage once it has been detected.