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.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery in understanding autoimmune diseases, revealing that rogue B cells can trigger an 'override' of the body's tolerance to its tissues. This finding sheds new light on epitope spreading, a hallmark aspect of autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks multiple organs and tissues.
A study by Queen Mary University of London finds that children learn to balance work and family life from their parents' examples. Women who had stay-at-home mothers often struggle with balancing work and parenting, feeling torn between their fathers' strong work ethic and their own desire to parent like their mothers.
A large-scale study has identified over 50 new genetic markers associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a common autoimmune disease. The research found that certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop SLE and experience more severe symptoms.
A protein called Blimp-1 regulates the immune system in patients with lupus, leading to an overactive immune response that attacks healthy tissue. The study's findings suggest a link between low Blimp-1 levels and increased risk of lupus in females.
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.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a mechanism that links chronic inflammation to mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Their study suggests that anti-IFNAR drugs may be effective in reducing symptoms of CNS lupus and other related conditions.
Researchers at Michigan State University are studying how DHA prevents the onset of lupus when triggered by inhaling toxic minerals. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms behind this phenomenon and explore potential nutritional interventions to prevent disease flaring and progression.
Two studies found a link between poverty and worsening lupus disease outcomes, as well as higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Black and Hispanic women. Poverty status was also associated with increased end-organ damage over time.
Researchers have identified a new compound that binds to CD11b and enhances its ability to suppress TLR signaling, reducing inflammation in lupus patients. The study found that the compound can override genetic defects associated with ITGAM mutations, offering a personalized approach to treating lupus.
A previously unknown mechanism involved in the immune response has been identified, which could provide an alternative therapy target for lupus patients. Oxidative stress in cells triggers the clustering of a protein that normally signals an immune system pathway during viral infections.
A new study found that urinary epidermal growth factor levels provided improved ability to distinguish between patients with kidney involvement and those without. The biomarker was also associated with overall lupus damage, suggesting its potential role in monitoring disease progression.
A bilingual support group addressing the psychological and educational needs of patients with lupus and their families has been shown to have a positive impact. The study found substantial improvements in knowledge and coping strategies among participants, particularly those from the Hispanic/Latino community.
New research finds that African-Americans, Asians, and those with a high school education or less experience significant delays in receiving lupus diagnosis and treatment. The study highlights the need for targeted solutions to address these disparities in access to specialty care.
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.
Researchers at MUSC discovered novel biomarkers that significantly improve the prediction of therapeutic efficacy in lupus nephritis. A targeted panel of urinary biomarkers, combined with machine learning modeling, provides an early decision-support tool for predicting outcomes.
A recent study found that poorly-rated interactions between patients and providers lead to higher levels of disease damage. Patients who experienced poor patient-provider communication or care coordination also accrued more damage to various body tissues.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that polymers can selectively target dying cells, halting chronic inflammation in lupus while enhancing flu immunity. The approach shows promise for treating a range of inflammatory conditions.
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.
The American College of Rheumatology has received a $335,000 grant from the Office of Minority Health to develop an expert-informed program model that improves health outcomes for people with lupus in rural and underserved areas. The program aims to increase awareness and access to care for patients living with lupus.
A new study confirms that lupus prevalence is higher in non-European populations due to a genetic basis. The research identified 10 additional risk alleles associated with lupus, bringing the total to 88.
The Lupus Insight Prize recognizes Dr. Marshak-Rothstein's work on Toll-like receptors and their role in regulating lupus pathogenesis, aiming to develop more effective treatments.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery discovered a potential genetic trigger of systemic autoimmune disease, linking virus-like elements to two autoimmune diseases. The study found that abnormal expression of genetic elements known as LINE-1 retroelements may contribute to the development of lupus and Sjogren's syndrome.
Researchers found that B cells from African American lupus patients expressed more proteins characteristic of activated B cells, contributing to disease severity. These findings suggest enhanced activation of B cells may play a role in increased SLE severity among African Americans.
A new study has confirmed a direct link between air pollution exposure and lupus disease activity in children and adolescents. The study found that fine pollution particles triggered an increase in disease severity, including worsening of renal and haematological involvement.
Researchers found that DNASE1L3 prevents lupus by breaking down DNA, which triggers immune cells to produce antibodies that cause inflammation. A new mechanism for biologic therapies has been discovered.
Researchers link abnormal SHP2 signaling to lupus-like symptoms in mice, showing that inhibiting SHP2 improves symptoms and lifespan. Targeting SHP2 in T cells reduces inflammatory cytokine production, suggesting a new therapy approach.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified an enzyme called SHP-2 that significantly contributes to the development of lupus. Inhibiting this enzyme can diminish lupus symptoms and suggest a new therapeutic approach for the disease.
A new antibody, CSL362, specifically targets and depletes plasmacytoid dendritic cells and basophils involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This depletion reduces production of type 1 IFN and prevents expansion of antibody-producing cells, showing promise as a potential therapeutic target for SLE treatment.
Researchers discovered hidden mechanisms of the immune system in two disease areas, COPD and systemic lupus erythematosus. The findings showed that ILC2s can change into inflammatory cells in response to stimuli, suggesting a potential way to treat COPD exacerbations.
Researchers found that defects in LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) may contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus. LAP ensures proper digestion and disposal of dead cells, which was found to be impaired in SLE-prone mice.
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.
Researchers discovered that female lymphocytes lack proper X chromosome inactivation, leading to increased expression of immunity-related genes. This incomplete activation may contribute to autoimmune conditions like lupus, which affects 85% of female patients.
A study published at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified over 1,000 gene variants linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a serious autoimmune disease. The findings support the potential of precision medicine to improve diagnosis and treatment for SLE, which affects nine times more women than men.
A University College London study suggests that lupus patients' B cells are getting signaled to become pro-inflammatory cells instead of regulating inflammation. This imbalance is linked to the lack of regulatory B cells and an overproduction of IFN-?, causing antibody-producing B cells to increase.
The review discusses conventional immunosuppressive agents and biologic therapies, including rituximab and belimumab, as effective treatments for refractory SLE. Managing co-morbidities like cardiovascular risk factors and bone health is also crucial in SLE treatment.
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute have identified microRNA miR-148a as a cause of autoimmune diseases like lupus. Elevated levels of this molecule allow self-reactive immune cells to escape and attack the body's own tissues.
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.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has identified 10 new genes linked to lupus, an autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide. The research analyzed over 17,000 DNA samples from Asian populations and found that these genes play a significant role in the development of lupus.
Researchers discovered that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species induce cell death by NETosis in a process dependent on RNA-protein immune complexes found in lupus patients. The extracellular release of oxidized mitochondrial DNA promotes an inflammatory reaction, and scavengers that clean up the overflow can reduce type I interferon ...
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded 12 novel research grants to investigate the link between bacteria and lupus, as well as innovative approaches to treating the disease. The grants aim to develop new treatments and potentially prevent lupus through cutting-edge research.
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.
A recent study published by Hospital for Special Surgery has identified complement activation as a strong predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with lupus. Elevated levels of Bb and sC5b-9 were found to be associated with an over 50% increase in the rate of pregnancy complications.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found a support group addressing psychological and educational needs of people with lupus to be a valuable resource, increasing knowledge, coping skills, and social support. The program had high satisfaction rates among participants.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that PROMIS is valid and reliable for assessing patient experience in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The questionnaire showed moderate to strong correlations with established questionnaires, but poor correlations with some domains.
A new study found that monitoring specific angiogenic biomarkers in maternal blood during early pregnancy can predict patients who will have normal pregnancies and those at high risk for complications. This allows physicians to identify, counsel, and manage high-risk patients earlier.
A Temple-led research team has discovered that bacterial biofilms found in the gut can provoke the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in lupus-prone mice. The researchers found that curli amyloid and DNA complexes in biofilms lead to inflammation, self-attacking antibodies, and autoimmune disease symptoms.
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that most women with lupus can expect a good pregnancy outcome, but those with specific risk factors such as antiphospholipid antibodies are at higher risk. The study identified clinical features and early detection of certain antibodies to predict serious pregnancy complications.
A new study identifies risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes in women with lupus, but also reveals that most pregnancies are uncomplicated. The research suggests that women with lupus who have mild disease and no underlying health issues can have a healthy pregnancy.
The VA/DoD guidelines differ from the ACC/AHA guidelines in several aspects, including treatment targets and risk prediction tests. The guidelines also recommend a shared decision-making approach to determine medication benefits versus harms for each patient.
A mechanism regulating plasma cell lifespan has been elucidated, identifying a promising new biomarker sBCMA for monitoring autoimmune diseases. The study shows that BCMA shedding is correlated with disease severity in multiple sclerosis and lupus patients.
Researchers have developed a new, non-invasive method to diagnose kidney disease using an optical probe and Raman spectroscopy. The technique allows for the detection of subtle molecular changes in kidney tissue, enabling accurate differentiation between healthy and diseased kidneys.
Researchers have discovered a way to stop lupus without suppressing the immune system by focusing on the TACI receptor. Deleting this receptor eliminates lupus in high BAFF levels, leaving natural immunity intact.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a protein called TREML4 that amplifies the cellular response to TLR7 receptor activation, leading to lupus symptoms. Suppressing this pathway may offer new hope for treating autoimmune disorders.
Prolonged work at the World Trade Center site after 9/11 linked to increased risk of autoimmune diseases like arthritis and lupus. Individuals worked 10 months at the site face 3-times greater risk of developing an autoimmune disease compared to those who worked for only a month.
A new study reveals that Asian and Hispanic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have lower mortality rates compared to Black, White, or Native American patients. The risk for death among White patients is much lower than in Black and Native American SLE patients.
A new set of guidelines for platelet transfusion aims to reduce bleeding in adult patients, while a multidrug regimen shows higher remission rates for lupus nephritis patients in a randomized controlled trial.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus species in the guts of mouse models correlated with reduced lupus symptoms, while Clostridia increased. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus may help alleviate lupus flares, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
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...
Researchers have found a promising plant-derived compound, CDDO, that may block both steps of lupus development and has no known side effects. The compound, originally derived from plants, could potentially eliminate the risks associated with current lupus treatments.