Sjogren's syndrome: a possible pathogenetic mechanism involving somatostatin

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic systemic disease that primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, The pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome is un known. We hypothesize that reduced somatostatin activity is an important fa ctor in promoting immune dysregulation in patients affected by Sjogren's sy ndrome. Somatostatin is a multifunctional peptide with potent immunomodulat ory properties. Its effects include reduced lymphocytic activity, reduced g astric and intestinal secretions, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and anti-inflammatory action, all opposite to the general presentatio n in Sjogren's syndrome, We suggest that the activity of somatostatin is lo w in patients affected by this disease, and this contributes significantly to the pathology observed.