Researchers Receive Grant to Study Early Detection of Sjögren Syndrome

Thankam Thyvalikakath, DMD, MDS, BDS, PhD, MS; Angela Bruzzaniti, PhD; and Mythily Srinivasan, BDS, MDS, PhD — researchers at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis — recently received a $4.7 million, 5-year grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to study Sjögren syndrome, an immune system disorder characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. This disease often occurs with other immune-system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Unfortunately, Sjögren syndrome is frequently diagnosed late, leading to irreversible damage to the body’s systems. To address this issue, the grant will support the development of a salivary hypofunction index combined with salivary biomarkers to identify individuals at risk of Sjögren syndrome at an early stage. Click here to learn more.