Why do you get Sjögren's syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is a relatively rare autoimmune disease. From the perspective of the patient's immune system, this condition is mainly caused by autoimmune abnormalities. Diagnosis also shows that viral infections can cause the onset of this disease. At the same time, genetics can also bring related pathogenic genes to patients, and different races often have different abnormalities. Abnormalities in sex hormones can lead to the onset of the disease.

There are many factors that cause Sjögren's syndrome, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Autoimmunity: Many autoantibodies can be detected in the bodies of patients with Sjögren's syndrome, including common antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, anti-RNP antibodies, anti-SSA antibodies, anti-SSB antibodies, etc. Hyperglobulinemia also exists, which indicates that the function of B lymphocytes is significantly hyperactive and the inhibitory function of T lymphocytes is too weak. In addition, changes in T lymphocyte subsets and weakening of suppressor T cells in this disease demonstrate abnormalities in cellular immunity.

2. Viral infection: Viral infection is also one of the causes of Sjögren's syndrome. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and HIV virus are all believed to be closely related to the occurrence of Sjögren's syndrome. Among them, the Epstein-Barr virus can stimulate the increase of B cells and produce immunoglobulins. Relevant experts found Epstein-Barr virus and its DNA gene in specimens of salivary glands, lacrimal glands and kidneys of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

3. Genetics: In the study of immune genetics, it was found that HLA-DR3 and B8 in the human leukocyte antigens are also related to the occurrence of Sjögren's syndrome. At the same time, genetics will also vary due to different races. For example, Western Europeans are related to HLA-B8, DR3, and DW52, while Japanese are related to HLA-DR53. This proves that genetics can also cause the occurrence of Sjögren's syndrome.

4. Abnormal secretion of sex hormones: Estrogen can make the immune activity too strong, so women are more likely to get this disease than men, and the chance is much higher. Changes in sex hormones also contribute to the occurrence of this disease. Under the influence of this factor, the body's immune response will be abnormal, and tissue damage will occur through the action of various cytokines and inflammatory mediators.