The microbiome of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly those with increased disease activity, has reduced taxonomic complexity, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Study Finds No Causal Link Between Alcohol Intake and SLE Risk
Alcohol intake does not affect the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study. The results contradict previous reports about the protective effects of alcohol against SLE.
The study, “Alcohol intake and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: a Mendelian randomization study,” was published in Lupus.
Research Reports Increased Fracture Risks in People with Lupus
New system for early detection of lupus developed
Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, are difficult to diagnose, specially in early stages. Specifically, in the case of lupus, specific antibodies aimed at antigens located in the nucleus of cells appear, including the anti-Ro/SSA. These anti-Ro/SSA antibodies can be found in the blood before other autoantibodies related with lupus, and can even be detected without the existence of symptoms.
Study Identifies Potential New Targets for Improving Heart Health in People with Lupus
People with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and atherosclerosis. A new study conducted in Columbia has identified potential new therapeutic targets for reducing endothelial damage (defined as the destruction of the membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels).
Kidney transplant boosts survival in lupus nephritis
Patients with LN-ESRD have high mortality rates, Dr. April Jorge of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, noted in an email to Reuters Health.
"We found that among nearly all such patients in the US who were waitlisted, renal transplant was associated with a significant survival benefit," she said. "This is an encouraging finding, and clinicians should consider early referral for renal transplantation for patients with LN-ESRD who may be candidates, as this can reduce mortality."
Rubella Immunity Lowers Over Time in Vaccinated Adolescents with Lupus
Vaccinated patients with highly active systemic lupus erythematosus seem to lose their immunity levels over time, a study in rubella-vaccinated adolescents suggests.
The study, “Risk factors associated with accelerated rubella-IgG antibody loss in previously vaccinated, treatment-naïve juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: a prospective study,” was published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Asthma Drug Explored in SLE
Study Identifies 10 most important contemporary challenges in the management of SLE
Resunab, a promising future treatment for lupus.
Patent holder Corbus Pharmaceuticals is putting the drug, branded Resunab, through its clinical paces.
Ajulemic acid (AJA, CT‐3, IP‐751, JBT‐101, anabasum) is a first‐in‐class, synthetic, orally active, cannabinoid‐derived drug that preferentially binds to the CB2 receptor and is non psychoactive.
In preclinical studies, and in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, AJA showed a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile. It also demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical models of inflammation and fibrosis.
Study Shows Rituximab May Be Effective at Treating Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Study Identifies Largest Contributors to Fatigue Among People with Systemic Lupus
Aerobic Exercise Improves Cardio Fitness Without Raising Inflammation
Twelve weeks of aerobic exercise improved cardiovascular and respiratory fitness in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but without positive changes in arterial stiffness that was this small study’s main goal.
Results also found no increase in signs of inflammation or oxidative stress in the exercise group compared to a control group urged to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Gene defect found to trigger lupus symptoms
New Study Assesses Shingles Frequency in People Receiving CYC and Steroids
People who have lupus and systemic vasculitis have weakened immune systems that are more susceptible to infections. Side effects of medication intended to help manage these diseases, specifically steroids and chemotherapeutics, can weaken the immune system further.
Specifically, they are at an increased risk for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. VZV is the virus, which can cause chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster). Once a person recovers from chickenpox, VZV remains inactive in the body. VZV can reactivate and cause a painful rash called shingles. There are many reasons why the virus can reactivate.
Promising Screening Tools Assessed for Cognitive Dysfunction in SLE
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaire is an easy-to-administer, inexpensive, effective screening tool that can identify patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who might be at risk for cognitive dysfunction (CD) and might benefit from additional neuropsychiatric assessment, according to data published in Lupus.
Evaluation of coagulation disorders by thromboelastography in children with systemic lupus erythematosus
Starchy food may reduce autoimmune reactions in people with lupus
Lupus Significantly Elevates Risk of 16 Cancer Types
Dental hygiene may be key for lupus
Good oral hygiene prevents cavities. Now, new research suggests it also may make a difference in preventing and managing lupus and other diseases.
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists Umesh Deshmukh and Harini Bagavant have found a link between gum disease and lupus, an autoimmune disease.
