Articles tagged with Lupus
Research reveals that lupus patients with higher white matter free water have more severe cognitive dysfunction, related to increased cumulative dosage of medical steroids. The study suggests that reducing steroid dosage may alleviate cognitive decline in SLE patients.
A new tool has been developed to identify genetic influences behind sex-biased diseases, such as lupus, which affect females more frequently. The tool analyzes genes that escape X chromosome inactivation, a process that ensures females do not overexpress genes on their X-chromosomes.
Researchers at MUSC identify a type of fat called sphingolipid that could predict the severity of heart disease in African American patients with lupus. Higher levels of Lac-Cer are associated with increased disease activity and may have predictive value for patient progression.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that defective red blood cells with retained mitochondria contribute to lupus inflammation. The study provides a new piece to the lupus puzzle and could lead to targeted therapies for patients.
Researchers found that antiphospholipid antibodies bind to a specific complex in the body, triggering an autoimmune response that can lead to severe inflammation and organ damage. The study suggests that immunomodulatory therapies used for autoimmune diseases like SLE may also be effective in treating COVID-19.
A study of 512 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus found that irregular hydroxychloroquine supply was linked to muscle pain and rash, while irregular methotrexate intake was associated with joint pains.
A monoclonal antibody targeting plasmacytoid dendritic cells has shown promise in reducing cutaneous lupus symptoms. The treatment, VIB7734, significantly reduced pDC frequencies and type 1 interferon activity in patients with autoimmune diseases.
A new study found that many lupus patients with Medicaid were unvaccinated and required more acute care for vaccine-preventable illnesses. Black patients had a higher risk of needing such care compared to white patients.
The Masonic Medical Research Institute has received a $750,000 Department of Defense Lupus Impact Award to investigate the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in systemic lupus erythematosus. The research aims to improve treatment options and quality of life for patients with this devastating autoimmune disease.
A new study found that patients with lupus are more likely to have metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance if they have lower vitamin D levels. Researchers believe that increasing vitamin D levels may help reduce these risks and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
The JDRF, Lupus Research Alliance and National Multiple Sclerosis Society have launched a joint grant program to investigate the immune system's role in autoimmune diseases. The program aims to identify common mechanisms that cause or contribute to the development of lupus, T1D, and MS.
Researchers have found that platelets are the source of extracellular DNA in patients with lupus, leading to chronic inflammation. This discovery could lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease.
Hyperactive RANK proteins have been found to trigger autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Researchers also discovered that these proteins contribute to chronic lymphatic leukemia in mice, paving the way for new therapeutic antibody treatments.
A new study from researchers at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has found that skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can trigger inflammatory processes in the kidney, even in normal, healthy mice. This subclinical injury may lead to pathologic consequences in lupus patients and worsen their clinical symptoms.
The study reveals a significant disparity in lupus prevalence across racial and ethnic groups, with female rates significantly higher than male rates. The analysis estimates that approximately 204,295 individuals in the US have been diagnosed with lupus as of 2018.
A new study provides the first national estimate of systemic lupus erythematosus in the US, finding that approximately 72.8 out of every 100,000 people nationwide have the condition, which affects mostly women and disproportionately affects certain ethnic groups.
A new study found that lower hydroxychloroquine blood levels are associated with a higher risk of clots in lupus patients. By monitoring blood levels, clinicians may be able to reduce clotting rates by up to 12% with increased dosing.
Research found that ginger's 6-gingerol lowers autoantibody production and helps halt disease progression in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus. The compound prevents neutrophil extracellular trap release, triggering autoantibodies and inflammation.
A survey conducted by the Lupus Research Alliance found that two-thirds of people with lupus would take a COVID-19 vaccine if it were free and deemed safe by scientists. However, 24% said they would not get vaccinated, citing concerns over side effects and safety, while 22% remained uncertain.
Researchers are using cutting-edge technology to analyze immune cell interactions in lupus patients, identifying potential targets for new therapies. The Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award will support innovative studies aimed at improving diagnostics and treatments for the disease.
A study presented at ACR Convergence found that adults with systemic lupus erythematosus who receive TMP-SMX are at high risk for adverse reactions. Lupus patients with anti-Smith antibodies were significantly associated with a higher risk of an adverse drug reaction.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that bacterial biofilms in the urinary tract can trigger autoimmune reactions in lupus patients. The study identified a link between chronic bacterial infections and increased frequency of lupus flares, suggesting a potential new approach to controlling flare-ups.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) successfully treat two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting plasma cells. The treatment resulted in sustainable clinical responses and reduced systemic inflammation.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that hydroxychloroquine is not effective in preventing COVID-19 in patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The study, which analyzed data from over 159 patients, suggests that HCQ may not be active against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in humans.
This observational study found a significant prevalence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) positivity among patients with COVID-19, indicating a potential link between LA and severe disease outcomes. The study's findings suggest that monitoring for LA positivity may be crucial in managing COVID-19 patients.
A team of researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used a new method to pinpoint potential disease-causing changes in the genome and identified two new potential therapeutic targets for lupus. The study focused on follicular helper T cells and created three-dimensional maps that match variants with genes they likely regulate.
The BLISS-LN study showed that belimumab added to standard therapy resulted in a significantly better primary renal response at 2 years, with 43% showing improvement versus 32% on placebo. Additionally, patients treated with belimumab had a 50% lower risk of experiencing renal events associated with poor prognosis.
Research found that complement gene variants contribute to sex-based differences in vulnerability to autoimmune diseases lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, as well as mental disorder schizophrenia. Complement protein levels vary between men and women, with different age-related elevations and effects on disease incidence.
A recent study has identified the complement component 4 (C4) gene as a key factor in understanding sex biases in autoimmune disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals with more C4 genes were found to be less likely to develop autoimmune conditions but more likely to develop schizophrenia.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals distinct urinary biomarker proteins for lupus nephritis in African American patients. The findings suggest that the ALCAM protein may be a promising therapeutic target. Researchers plan to conduct a longitudinal study to predict disease flares and improve treatment options.
A comprehensive review published in The FASEB Journal doubts the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as treatments for COVID-19 due to their immunosuppressive effects. The authors warn that these drugs may impair patients' responses to the virus, a concern previously overlooked.
A Yale-led study found that a cancer therapy drug can slow T cell infiltration and reverse damage in kidney tissue damaged by lupus. The findings suggest the therapy might be beneficial for patients with lupus nephritis.
A Drexel University study found that using broad diagnostic terms like 'autoimmune disease' alongside narrow ones helps patients communicate their experiences. This broad category simplifies explanation to family, friends, and clinicians, even with changing diagnoses.
A new study found an inverse association between socioeconomic status and certain kidney diseases. Researchers observed incremental increases in the incidence of lupus nephritis and ANCA-related glomerulonephritis with progressively lower income.
Patients with lupus who take their medications consistently have a 39% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study found that antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine significantly protect patients against the complication if taken as prescribed for at least 90% of the time.
Researchers found that 50% of lupus skin rashes contained high levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A protein called interferon increases the stickiness of staph to the skin. This discovery highlights the increased risk of infection and spreading in lupus patients.
Researchers have identified C4BP as a promising therapeutic agent for autoimmune kidney disease, showing improved symptomatology in mice with lupus nephritis. The study demonstrates the immunomodulatory capacity of C4BP, transforming proinflammatory activity into anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic effects.
A new drug trial by Monash University Professor Eric Morand shows a statistically-significant reduction in disease activity versus placebo in lupus patients. The TULIP 2 trial found a significant effect in global disease activity measures, including improved skin disease and reduced steroid doses.
Researchers found that a molecularly similar regulator to PD-1, PD-1H, can cause immune system attacks in lupus patients. This discovery suggests novel ways to restore function and provide new therapy for the disease.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have found that sphingolipid levels are associated with heart disease in African Americans with lupus. The study suggests that broader information on sphingolipid profiles could help physicians predict disease severity or assess the efficacy of anti-lupus drugs.
A nationwide survey of male patients with lupus found that nearly half reported feeling depressed, while over 80% indicated that lupus limits their daily activities. The study also revealed a high interest in psychosocial support and online platforms for men with lupus.
A new study found that limited access to lupus lab tests in developing nations, particularly ANA tests, affects the usefulness of SLE diagnosis. The lack of testing, especially immunologic and hematologic studies, leads to discrepancies in diagnostic criteria adherence. The 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria performed better than o...
A study found associations between environmental factors and organ-specific lupus flares, including temperature, ozone concentration, wind, humidity, PM2.5 concentration, and barometric pressure. The research suggests atmospheric changes may impact lupus clinical trial design and outcomes.
A recent lupus study reveals significant epigenetic differences between black women and other populations, impacting disease progression and severity. Researchers found that increased risk of lupus can be linked to epigenetic changes, which could lead to new treatments and better understanding of the disease.
A new study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that nearly one-third of patients with lupus use prescription opioids to manage chronic pain. The research, led by Emily Somers, aims to determine current levels of opioid prescribing for lupus patients.
A new two-year grant aims to improve outreach and care for people with lupus, focusing on historically black colleges and universities. The initiative includes educational outreach efforts, a patient navigator program to reduce hospital readmissions, and partnerships to increase understanding of health disparities among healthcare prov...
A team of researchers investigated the link between pregnancy and lupus flares, finding that gut microbiota may regulate disease severity. The study suggests that modulating the gut microbiota community could lead to improved disease management for pregnant women with lupus.
A study found that combining numeric skills with high confidence leads to improved life outcomes, including better financial stability and health. Higher objective numeracy was associated with better outcomes, but only when paired with higher confidence.
Human research published in JNeurosci identified a specific target of antibodies implicated in lupus' neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain cytoplasmic RNAs are targeted by the immune system in people with lupus, hindering cellular signaling and leading to seizures and cognitive impairments.
Scientists have identified two types of blood clotting proteins found in the urine of patients with lupus nephritis, which can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The discovery may lead to improved clinical management and treatment responses.
Pregnancy outcomes for lupus patients have dramatically improved, with a decline in maternal and fetal mortality rates over the past two decades. The study found that more women with lupus are attempting pregnancy and delivering successfully, with minimal risk of complications.
A new evidence review suggests that few nutritional supplements or dietary interventions offer any protection against cardiovascular disease or death. Some may even cause harm, according to a meta-analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers found signs of activation in resting B cells, which precede the activation of immune cells in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a previously underappreciated stage of the disease. The study identified patterns of gene activity that could be used as biomarkers for disease development.
Research supported by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership has provided new insights into tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Novel molecular signatures have been identified in kidney cells and specific white blood cells may reflect their active role in disease process.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers, ApoB:A1 ratio and metabolomic lipoprotein signatures, to predict cardiovascular risk in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients. These biomarkers can help identify high-risk patients and inform tailored disease treatments.
A study found that cyclosporine significantly reduced proteinuria in patients with lupus nephritis, achieving higher remission rates compared to mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine. After a 10-year follow-up, the majority of patients in the cyclosporine group achieved complete remission.
Researchers have deciphered the structure of a complex involved in regulating the immune system, finding new molecular targets for fighting autoimmunity. The discovery has implications for treating autoimmune disorders such as lupus and may lead to the development of new drugs targeting this complex.
A study found that Blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are at increased risk of developing kidney, neurological, and blood problems following a lupus diagnosis. This highlights the need for greater awareness and early treatment in these populations.
Researchers developed a new testing method using single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze individual cells in diseased organs, revealing genetic glitches that may allow for more effective treatment. The study found promising results in lupus patients and could potentially improve biopsy accuracy for other diseases.
Researchers have discovered a way to predict which patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are most likely to respond to therapy by analyzing tissue samples from their kidneys and skin. This breakthrough could lead to personalized treatment plans for SLE patients.