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Reports reveal racial and ethnic disparities in lupus rates

New research reveals striking racial and ethnic disparities in lupus incidence and prevalence, with higher rates found in Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. The findings emphasize the need for vigilant diagnosis and prompt care for these groups, particularly in cases of arthritis, rashes, and kidney disease symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 11, 2017

New blood test detects stroke and heart attack risk in lupus patients with no CVD symptoms

Researchers have identified a biomarker that can detect increased risk of stroke and heart attack in lupus patients without CVD symptoms. A study found that lupus patients with high levels of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T (HS-cTnT) are eight times more likely to develop fatty deposits in their carotid arteries.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

Advancing our understanding of how the disease lupus is prevented in healthy individuals

A team of researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University has identified a molecule called CD72 that prevents the immune system from mistakenly reacting to a component of the body's own cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease associated with inflammation of various organs.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 30, 2016

Promising new treatment for lupus on the horizon

A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that a natural immune system protein called IL-2 can help restore balance to the overactive immune system of lupus patients. The drug, originally used to boost the immune system for cancer treatment, has been found safe and effective in clinical trials.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016

Researchers find new clue in lupus autoantibody production

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential target for treating lupus: interferon gamma. The cytokine stimulates immune cells and is involved in the formation of autoreactive B cells that produce autoantibodies, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 12, 2016

Lupus may contribute to pregnancy-related complications

A new study found that lupus during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preeclampsia, hypothyroid disease, stroke, and infection among women. The study also reveals worse infant outcomes, including preterm birth, infection, and mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 1, 2016

Suspect cells not guilty after all in late-stage lupus

Virginia Tech researchers have discovered that plasmacytoid dendritic cells do not contribute to late-stage lupus in mice, contradicting years of previous research. The study's findings suggest that pDCs are only involved in the initiation of lupus, rather than its progression.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 7, 2015

NIH announces network to accelerate medicines for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

The National Institutes of Health has established an Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus (AMP RA/Lupus) Network to transform the current model for identifying promising biological targets for new drugs and diagnostics. The network will analyze interplay among biological pathways, including at the single...