I ran across this while researching the DQ1 genetics. Here are some papers showing the links between certain HLA-DQ genes and Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the moisture producing glands of the body, causing dry eyes and dry mouth.

In this first article, and most the other ones I have also linked, it doesn't link Sjogren's syndrome with gluten. What it does do is that it shows that the DQ1 and the DQ2 genes are linked with this disease! I have two copies of gluten sensitive DQ1 gene and my aunt has Sjogren's syndrome. Could there be a genetic link? WARNING: there is lots of genetic jargon in these papers. Here's a link to brush up on HLA typing and Celiac disease.

Genetics of Sjogren's Syndrome
From the book, "State of the Art Lectures on Sjögren's Syndrome"
Editors Per Eriksson and Roland Jonsson
Hygiea, volume 108, part 1,1999, with permission.

Another paper, but a little older news from 1998:
"The DQB1*0201-*0602 genotype was also significantly increased in primary SS". http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...t_uids=9598888

Something a little newer:
HLA markers and clinical characteristics in Caucasians with primary Sjogren's syndrome. J Rheumatol. 2001 Jul;28(7):1554-62.
Of note is that "DQB1*02/DQB1*0602 heterozygosity" is implicated, as in the paper above.

I'm throwing this paper in for fun about other autoimmune diseases and celiac disease. I think Cara already provided it under another thread:
http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/article...gi?artid=96126


Mike also provided this link to another discussion on the other celiac board about autoimmune disease that has some interesting stuff in it.

This was also a good discussion:
http://www.glutenfreeforum.com/index...opic=23411&hl=

Ok folks, let's get this party started over here!

Claire