“…Inflammatory cytokines in SS are synthesized and released by lymphocytes (16,29) and salivary gland epithelium (68,76). Cytokines have been shown to alter intestinal and airway epithelial TJ structure and function (1,8,12,14,18,35,38,54,59,77). Moreover, alterations in TJ structure have been associated with other inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease (31), celiac sprue (65), and cystic fibrosis (12).…”