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Review summarizes fenofibrate, metformin, and MSC modulation in Primary Sjögren disease management

Review summarizes fenofibrate, metformin, and MSC modulation in Primary Sjögren disease management
Photo by Faustina Okeke / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider these findings as theoretical mechanisms rather than established clinical evidence for Primary Sjögren disease treatment.

This publication is a review focusing on the management of Primary Sjögren disease. The authors synthesize evidence regarding interventions that modulate the proliferation, activation, and functional balance of regulatory T cells (Tregs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), fenofibrate, and metformin. The scope encompasses mechanisms related to inflammatory responses, immune activation, tissue pathological damage, saliva secretion, and tear secretion.

Key findings indicate that fenofibrate and metformin, alongside MSCs, may promote Treg proliferation and function significantly. The review suggests these interventions could improve the Th17 to Treg immune balance effectively. Additionally, the authors report reduced inflammatory responses and downregulated immune activation levels. Tissue pathological damage is described as alleviated, while saliva and tear secretion are noted to increase substantially.

Despite these mechanistic observations, the review does not report specific sample sizes, follow-up durations, or statistical values such as p-values or confidence intervals. Safety data, including adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations, are also not reported in the text. The authors acknowledge the lack of specific clinical trial data within this synthesis of evidence.

Practice relevance is framed as providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel treatment approaches for Primary Sjögren disease. Clinicians should recognize that these findings represent a theoretical framework rather than established clinical evidence. Further research is required to validate these mechanisms in controlled settings before clinical application occurs.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Primary Sjögren disease (SjD) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocyte proliferation and progressive damage to exocrine glands. Its pathogenesis is complex, and clinical treatment remains challenging. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of inhibitory T lymphocytes, play a pivotal role in maintaining peripheral immune tolerance and immune homeostasis. They are also critically involved in the pathogenesis and progression of various autoimmune diseases, including SjD. Consequently, modulating the proliferation, activation, and functional balance of Tregs holds significant promise for ameliorating the immune-inflammatory microenvironment in SjD and slowing disease progression. Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), fenofibrate, and metformin can promote Treg proliferation and improve their function, thereby restoring the Th17/Treg immune balance. These interventions synergistically reduce inflammatory responses, downregulate abnormal immune activation, and alleviate tissue pathological damage, ultimately leading to significantly increased saliva and tear secretion. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of Tregs in SjD based on recent literature and explores the potential of Treg-targeted therapeutic strategies for SjD, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel treatment approaches for this disease.
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