New research on the X chromosome from the School of Veterinary Medicine points to an abnormality in the immune system’s T cells as a possible contributing factor in lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
Study of Childhood Onset Lupus Confirms Unique Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults
Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) accounts for 10-20 percent of all people living with lupus. Understanding the living experience of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cSLE is an important first step in developing interventions to aid in self-management and adherence.
A new study surveyed AYAs from a Midwestern children’s hospital with cSLE between the ages of 12 and 24, and 44 primary caregivers, about living with lupus.
Restoring this enzyme's function protects against heart disease in lupus
Patients with lupus, an inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, are on average seven to nine times more likely to develop heart disease than the general population. Younger women with lupus are 50 times as likely to develop the disease as young women without the disease.
The endothelium -- the single layer of cells lining blood vessel walls -- is thought to protect against heart disease. It does so in part by producing nitric oxide.
Study Evaluates Two Drug Therapies on Children with Lupus Nephritis
Painful Skin Nodules Are Rare Manifestation of SLE in Children
Study Pinpoints Potential Risk Factors for Peripheral Nervous System Conditions in SLE
Genetically engineered immune cells wipe out lupus in mice
Lupus can be a stubborn disease to treat. Although many struck by the autoimmune condition live relatively normal lives, some suffer from kidney failure, blood clots, and other complications that can be deadly. Now, scientists have found that a novel treatment that wipes out the immune system’s B cells cures mice of the condition. Though the work is preliminary, it has excited researchers because it uses a therapy already approved for people with blood cancer.
“This is a critical stepping stone,” says Jennifer Anolik, a rheumatologist who runs the lupus clinic at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York who was not involved with the work.
New Study Reviews the Determinants of Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Lupus Nephritis
Lupus strongly linked to imbalances in gut microbiome
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.
