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 unknown. We hypothesize that reduced somatostatin activity is an important factor in promoting immune dysregulation in patients affected by Sjogren's syndrome. Somatostatin is a multifunctional peptide with potent immunomodulatory properties. Its effects include reduced lymphocytic activity, reduced gastric and intestinal secretions, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and anti-inflammatory action, all opposite to the general presentation in Sjogren's syndrome. We suggest that the activity of somatostatin is low in patients affected by this disease, and this contributes significantly to the pathology observed.