LOS ANGELES, March 23 Saliva can be used to detect primary Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that affects 4 million U.S. adults.Scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles have identified a panel of salivary biomarkers that can distinguish Sjogren's syndrome patients from healthy subjects, according to a presentation at the 85th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research.Using new technologies, researchers searched globally for markers in saliva from Sjogren's syndrome patients and healthy people, and found saliva, especially whole saliva in the mouth, can detect patients with the syndrome. Blood tests and biopsies are current standards of diagnosis.Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic disease in which white blood cells attack the moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth. The systemic disease, affecting mostly women, can also affect many organs and may cause fatigue.Copyright 2007 by UPI
