Intermittent fasting may improve salivary gland function in Sjögren’s syndrome
Official title: Intermittent fasting restores salivary gland function in Sjögren’s syndrome
Funded at Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. · NIH-11032004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how intermittent fasting might help improve the function of salivary glands in people with Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth, by encouraging the growth of healthy cells and protecting against damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ada Forsyth Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | March 3, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $472,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE030646-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome who experience symptoms of dry mouth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome who do not experience significant dry mouth or have other unrelated health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of intermittent fasting on salivary gland function in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to dry mouth and various oral health issues. The study aims to enhance the regeneration of salivary glands while protecting them from autoimmune damage. By examining the biological mechanisms involved, including the proliferation of salivary gland stem cells and the modulation of immune responses, the research seeks to provide a novel therapeutic approach for managing this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved salivary gland function and quality of life for patients suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with intermittent fasting in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Jing — Ada Forsyth Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Jing
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.