Articles tagged with Lupus
Scientists have identified a new type of cell in mice that dampens the immune system and protects its own cells from immune system attack. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for new therapies to control hyperactive immune systems in autoimmune diseases like lupus.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that abatacept failed to prevent disease flares in patients with non-life threatening systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The medication was administered to 175 patients, but it did not show significant therapeutic benefits over placebo.
A recent study funded by the Lupus Research Institute has discovered a link between an X-linked TLR7 gene variant and an increased risk of developing lupus in men. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides strong evidence that alterations in the TLR7 gene can promote lupus in humans.
A recent study by UCLA researchers has identified a genetic variation linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asian men. The findings suggest that this variation on the X chromosome enhances an immune response, increasing the risk of developing lupus in men compared to women.
A recent study found significant racial disparities in the age of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients at the time of hospital admission for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and CVD-related death. Black women were youngest to both be admitted with CVD and to have an in-hospital death due to CVD.
Researchers identified a new signaling pathway between TACI and MyD88 that regulates the immune response. This interaction may cause both protective antibodies against infections and excessive immune reactions in autoimmune diseases.
A study published in Nature found that high doses of corticosteroids given repeatedly over several weeks may help individuals with lupus by killing off the cells producing interferon alpha. This approach is more effective than standard treatment, which can lead to long-term side effects.
Researchers found higher levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, including anti-MDA and anti-HNE antibodies, in SLE patients with greater disease activity. These biomarkers suggest an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production and antioxidant defense mechanisms in SLE.
Researchers discovered that activated basophils cause kidney damage in a mouse model of lupus nephritis, potentially leading to new treatments with an asthma medication. The study found increased IgE responses and activated basophils in people with SLE, strongly associated with disease activity.
Scientists discovered that Lupus patients lack or have blocked DNase-1, an enzyme degrading NETs, leading to their accumulation in the kidneys. This impairs NET degradation, increasing kidney failure risk. A new test based on this finding may enable early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that SLE patients with high disease activity have higher levels of anti-Apo A-I, anti-HDL, and anti-CRP antibodies, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. This association may place SLE patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a simple urine test for four proteins might be able to detect early kidney disease in people with lupus. The findings suggest the tests could pinpoint kidney disease better than existing tests, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic approach for proliferative crescentic disease, a type of advanced kidney disease associated with lupus. The study suggests targeting macrophages and growth factors involved in the disease mechanism.
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $3.6 million in grants to support innovative research on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The grants will fund studies on novel genes associated with African-American lupus, non-invasive assessment of lupus nephritis, and the role of nervous system networks in inflammation.
A new study published by the American Society of Nephrology suggests that having a history of lupus does not significantly increase the risk of developing lupus nephritis in recipients of a kidney transplant. The study found that lupus nephritis occurred in just 2.44% of patients, and was associated with only a 7% risk of organ loss.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a cellular mechanism that causes lupus-like symptoms in mice. The study found that macrophages play a crucial role in disposing of dying cells, and a specific molecule called PPAR-delta helps regulate this process.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery investigators finds that most lupus patients are not aware of their increased risk for cardiovascular disease, but a counseling program helps them make informed lifestyle choices. The program has been well-received by patients, with over 90% satisfaction rates.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified three proteins called Toll-like receptors as necessary for the autodestruction that occurs in autoimmune diseases like lupus. The study suggests that these TLRs may be good targets for therapy, potentially leading to new treatments for lupus and other autoimmune diseases.
A study found that 92.8% of SLE patients suffer from anxiety and depression, significantly impacting their quality of life. Depression was shown to be the most significant factor, inversely correlated with physical activity and cognitive function.
A new DNA vaccine using IL-10 has been shown to prevent kidney damage in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by inducing antigen-specific tolerance. The study found lower levels of anti-Sm antibodies and significant proteinuria were less common in the vaccinated group compared to the control group.
Researchers have developed DNA-like compounds that effectively inhibit cells responsible for chronic autoimmune condition lupus. The compounds, known as class R inhibitory oligonucleotides (INH-ODNs), selectively reduce the activity of autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells, delaying death and reducing kidney damage in mice with lupus.
Researchers developed DNA-like compounds that effectively inhibit cells responsible for systemic lupus erythematosus, a potentially groundbreaking treatment. The findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of class R inhibitory oligonucleotides and could lead to new therapies.
A study found that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have significant olfactory deficits compared to healthy controls. Patients with more active disease and past neuropsychiatric SLE manifestations had lower total TDI scores, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism.
UT Southwestern researchers have discovered a link between immune cell malfunction and kidney damage in lupus patients. They also found that certain genes, such as kallikreins, appear to protect the kidneys from immune attack, suggesting potential new treatments for the disease.
The study found that mycophenolate mofetil was as effective as cyclophosphamide in treating lupus nephritis, but showed better results in certain racial groups. Patients may prefer mycophenolate mofetil due to its lack of fertility side effects.
A large observational study found that combined oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly among women who started using them recently. The study suggests a possible dose-response effect of estrogen on SLE onset.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene linked to lupus, IRAK1, located on the X chromosome. This discovery may help explain why females are 10 times more susceptible to the disease than males.
Genes from fireflies and jellyfish are used to light up cells expressing prolactin, a hormone linked to over 300 biological functions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The technique helps scientists track prolactin production in real-time, shedding light on its role in the body.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology suggests that rituximab can significantly improve kidney health in patients with severe lupus nephritis. The immunosuppressive drug showed promise in reducing inflammation and improving renal outcomes in those who did not respond to conventional therapy.
A study led by Nina Luning Prak found a lower level of antibody editing in mice and human blood samples from patients with lupus and type 1 diabetes. This suggests that not all autoimmunity is caused by errors in editing, requiring a targeted approach for treatment.
A new study found a population of anergic B cells in the blood of healthy adults, which accounted for 2.5% of circulating B cells. These cells may contain precursors to self-attacking immune cells seen in autoimmune diseases like lupus and RA.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that women with stable or mildly active lupus have relatively infrequent flares during pregnancy and deliver healthy babies. The PROMISSE study identified factors to help plan a low-risk pregnancy, including monitoring antiphospholipid antibodies.
A newly discovered gene variant in TNFAIP3 may cause the immune system to continue attacking healthy tissues and organs, leading to damage. This discovery adds to a growing list of genes associated with lupus and holds promise for diagnosis and treatment.
A new treatment combining immunosuppressant drugs targeting different immune system parts improves remission rates and reduces side effects for patients with severe lupus nephritis. The therapy shows superior results compared to traditional treatments, achieving complete remission in 65% of patients within nine months.
A new study found that women with severe SLE who received a 6-month course of cyclophosphamide followed by mycophenolate mofetil treatment had preserved ovarian function and fertility. Disease activity was equally controlled in both groups, but patients treated with long-course CYC pulses had a higher risk of amenorrhea.
A new study reveals that patients with higher percentages of southern European ancestry are more likely to experience severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) manifestations, including nephritis and increased autoantibody levels. This association was found to be inversely related to northern European ancestry.
Researchers found that abnormal 'editing' of gene messages in a type of white blood cell may be behind the development of lupus. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of patients' responses to therapy.
The Alliance for Lupus Research has awarded nearly $7 million to researchers globally, funding over 100 projects and committing $50 million to research since its founding in 1999. The grants focus on removing barriers to new treatments and therapies for lupus, a disease affecting disproportionately women of color.
A global research alliance found associations between anti-ribosomal P antibodies and psychosis, as well as lupus anticoagulant and cerebrovascular disease in SLE patients. The study identified potential biomarkers for neuropsychiatric events, but future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at Saint Louis University find that immune cells with pro-survival proteins accumulate in the bodies of patients with lupus, contributing to disease progression. The team aims to develop a therapy that blocks these proteins to restore balance in the immune system.
Swedish researchers have identified several genes that regulate the autoimmune disease SLE, including BANK1, which affects B cells and auto-antibody production. The findings may lead to new treatments targeting B cell functions.
Anti-TNF compounds disrupt germinal centers, training grounds for immune cells in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The team found that these drugs eliminate abnormal B cell activity, raising the possibility of improved patient health.
Researchers have uncovered multiple new genetic risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood. The study found associations with three genes: ITGAM, KIAA1542, and PXK.
Scientists have identified nine DNA variants that increase lupus risk in women, providing a potential diagnostic tool for early detection. The study, published in Nature Genetics, highlights the importance of genetic factors in lupus susceptibility and may lead to new treatments and a cure.
Researchers have identified multiple genes associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, a devastating autoimmune disease that affects 1-2 million Americans. The study found associations with ITGAM, KIAA1542, and PXK genes, as well as SNP rs10798269.
Scientists have identified a number of genes involved in Lupus, a complex condition that frequently causes skin rash, joint pains and malaise. The study found associations with ITGAM, PXK, KIAA1542, LYN, and BLK genes, which may lead to new therapies for the disease.
A landmark genetic study identified multiple genes linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain and blood. The findings will ultimately lead to new therapies and earlier diagnosis, with 13 strong candidates supported by data that are 99% accurate.
The Center of Research Translation will investigate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through a four-group approach, focusing on B-cells, disease progression, and gene contributions. This project aims to translate basic research findings in mice to human SLE, improving treatment options for patients.
Researchers have discovered two new targets for drugs aimed at controlling lupus by regulating the balance between inflammatory and antiviral effects of interferons. By blocking specific kinases in the calcium-signaling pathway, they were able to suppress STAT1 activation and preserve antiviral effects.
Researchers funded by Lupus Research Institute discover a molecular switch controlling inflammatory response, potentially treating chronic autoimmune disorders like lupus. The finding may lead to new methods to shut down uncontrolled inflammation and restore immune system regulation.
Researchers have identified a key Lupus gene that increases risk by 50%, prompting a need for more patient DNA samples. The OX40L variant is crucial in the immune system and may hold the key to diagnosing and treating the disease.
The Lupus Research Institute's groundbreaking strategy has yielded significant progress in novel lupus research, with 61% of investigators turning hypotheses into confirmed discoveries. The institute's support has enabled the development of breakthroughs in genetics, molecular science, and other fields.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified four molecules in the urine of mice with lupus nephritis that may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. These molecules, including VCAM-1 and CXCL16, could help predict kidney disease in patients with lupus.
Researchers have identified histone deacetylase HDAC9 as a potential target for treating premature atherosclerosis in lupus patients. They also found that elevated microRNA-16 levels contribute to abnormal cell death in lupus patients, and reducing these levels may lead to targeted treatments.
Researchers found that valproic acid reduces B cell activity by targeting histone deacetylases, preventing skin and kidney disease in mice with lupus. Mithramycin also shows promise by targeting Sp1, a transcription factor controlling genes involved in kidney disease, resulting in decreased kidney inflammation and protein levels.
LymphoStat-B achieved a sustained improvement in disease activity across multiple clinical measures and decreased the frequency of disease flares over time. The study also showed that LymphoStat-B was well-tolerated through 2.5 years on treatment, with comparable incidence rates of adverse events to placebo.
Researchers evaluated mycophenolate mofetil to reduce lupus flares in SLE patients and found significant reductions, especially for severe flares. The treatment was effective even with reduced use of anti-inflammatory drug prednisone.
Researchers have identified a genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, with the STAT4 gene variant linked to increased disease risk in both conditions. The study suggests a shared disease pathway between RA and lupus, paving the way for potential new therapies targeting this pathway.
Researchers discovered that an analog of rapamycin halts production of antibodies and development of lupus in mice, suggesting a potential new approach to combating the disease. The study found that this compound improved symptoms and halted disease progression across different genetic strains of lupus-prone mice.
A study at the University of Granada found that daily stress exacerbates lupus symptoms, but controlling stress reduces negative effects, including weight loss and joint pain. Psychological therapy significantly improved patients' quality of life and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.