RNAseq of Sjögren's Syndrome and Healthy Volunteers' Salivary Glands

Mechanistic genetic and inflammatory endpoints were studied to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of Sjögren's syndrome. Transcriptomic studies allowed the exploration of molecular alterations that might cause or influence the studied salivary gland pathology and potentially elucidate druggable pathways for intervention.]]>
1.1 Inclusion Criteria Persons older than 4 years of age, affected with or suspected of being affected with a disease/disorder involving the salivary glands or who is a relative of a person who is affected with these diseases/disorders; or, persons 18 years or older with active hepatitis with or without sicca symptoms; or, healthy persons age 18 or older, who agree to have blood, urine, saliva or tissue samples collected and studied. 1.2 Exclusion Criteria Anyone not able to give consent/assent or parental/guardian consent NIH employees who report directly to the principal investigator Significant concurrent medical condition or other circumstances that may affect the participant's ability to tolerate or complete the study, such as concurrent chemotherapy or bleeding disorders. Additional exclusion criteria for Healthy Volunteers (HV): Pregnancy Sicca symptoms HIV, hepatitis B or C infection Chronic medical illness, other than well-controlled hypertension or hyperlipidemia Chronic use of medications, with the exception of oral contraception, hormone replacement therapy, aspirin, antihypertensives and antilipemics ]]>