Genentech says lupus tests fell short Mar 12, 2009
Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidney and a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease. We are disappointed that Rituxan did not show a significant benefit in patients with lupus nephritis, a complex and serious disease. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Cephalon Launches Takeover Offer for Australian Biotechnology Company, Arana Therapeutics Feb 27, 2009
Earlier this month, Cephalon acquired exclusive worldwide rights to the ImmuPharma investigational compound, LUPUZOR(TM), which is in development for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. In January, the company announced an option to acquire privately-held Ception Therapeutics, Inc., whose lead humanized monoclonal antibody compound, reslizumab, is in development for the treatment of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis. (PR Newswire)
Older Age Increases Risk of Clot in Lupus Patients Feb 7, 2009
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Older age at diagnosis and kidney inflammation are among the factors that increase the risk of blood clots in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, new research shows. SLE is a chronic "autoimmune" disease in which the immune system confuses its own healthy tissues with foreign tissues and sometimes attacks both. (MEDLINEplus)
Attention to Bones Important in Women with Lupus Feb 7, 2009
Lupus, technically known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, is a chronic "autoimmune" disease in which the immune system can confuse healthy and foreign tissues and sometimes attacks both. "Whether due to the corticosteroid treatment, or to the disease itself, osteoporosis is being increasingly recognized in patients with SLE," Dr. Swan S. Yeap, of the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, and colleagues explain in the Journal of Rheumatology. (MEDLINEplus)
Causes of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anem... Feb 7, 2009
Besides being triggered by medications, AIHA can occur in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis, and it can be triggered by infectious diseases, including. Drug Causes of AIHA. (Suite101.com)
Severe Lupus May Respond to Drug Combo Mar 21, 2008
Lupus, technically known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, is an autoimmune disorder that can damage the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain and blood. It is marked sometimes by a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash on the face. (MEDLINEplus)
Achieving Remission Mar 20, 2008
In some autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), hydrazines in mushrooms and chemicals in tobacco smoke can induce flares and exacerbations. Following helps reduce flares in most of the different autoimmune disorders. (Suite101.com)
Glucocorticoid Hormones Mar 8, 2008
They include, but are not limited to, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis. Glucocorticoids can also be used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), immune suppression following organ transplantation, and cortisol deficiency secondary to disease in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands (e. (Suite101.com)
Autoantibodies and neuropsychiatric events in lupus Feb 28, 2008
International study finds potential biomarkers for psychosis and cerebrovascular disease in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, can affect nearly any part of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, nervous system, and brain. (EurekAlert!)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Feb 28, 2008
Please for full text and personal services. D., and David A. Isenberg, M.D.. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Collaboration, Genetic Associations, and Lupus Erythematosus Feb 28, 2008
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease that preferentially targets women during the reproductive years, is considered by many clinicians and investigators to be the prototypic autoimmune disease ... Unraveling the Genetic Predisposition to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Two New Susceptibility Loci for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Feb 28, 2008
NEJM -- Association of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with C8orf13-BLK and ITGAM-ITGAX ... Association of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with C8orf13 BLK and ITGAM ITGAX ... Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically heterogeneous disease in which the risk of disease is influenced by complex genetic and environmental contributions. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New Switch Of The Immune Response Discovered Feb 27, 2008
In certain autoimmune diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus(3) or Sj ... Systemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory disease characterized by involvement of the joints and muscles, skin, kidneys, and blood, inflammation of the lungs or heart, neurological or psychiatric manifestations, fever. (Science Daily)
Blocked Signals To Immune Cells Extend Their Life And Contribute To Progression Of Lupus Feb 19, 2008
21, 2008) Scientists have identified multiple genes that are linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, a devastating autoimmune disease that affects between 1 million and 2 million Americans ... 9, 2004) University of Pittsburgh researchers have identified biomarkers that could result in earlier and more accurate diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a devastating disease that affects as. (Science Daily)
New Batch of Lupus Genes Discovered Jan 22, 2008
(SOURCES: Noel Rose, M.D., director, Johns Hopkins Center for Autoimmune Disease Research, Baltimore; Susan Manzi, M.D., co-director, Lupus Center for Excellence, University of Pittsburgh; Carl Langefeld, M.D., co-director, International Consortium for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Genetics (SLEGEN), and director, Center for Public Health Genomics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Robert Kimberly, principal investigator, SLEGEN, professor, medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and... (Health-Finder)
Significance And Limitations Of New Lupus Gene Expression Research Jan 22, 2008
For one of the studies, the International Consortium for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Genetics (SLEGEN) coordinated the planning and organization of a large genotyping and data analysis effort that involved contributions from more than 150 participants ... 13, 2007) Researchers have shown that an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplant cases is effective in reducing flare-ups in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus ... Systemic lupus erythematosus (also called SLE or lupus) is a... (Science Daily)
Genentech Lupus Discovery Raises Hopes of Earlier Diagnosis Jan 22, 2008
The report coincided with that of a rival team from the International Consortium for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Genetics in the journal Nature Genetics. Dr. Behrens's team believes the BLK gene influences one component of the immune system -- B cells -- while the ITGAM gene affects another, T-cells, in ways that trigger the immune system to attack a lupus patient's own body like friendly fire. (Wall Street Journal)
DNA variations signal lupus risk Jan 21, 2008
The study, the largest of its kind to date, is the work of the International Consortium for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLEGEN), of which UAB is a member. SLE is the medical term for systemic lupus erythematosus, a common form of the disease. (EurekAlert!)
6 more genes found to boost lupus risk Jan 21, 2008
Separately or together, the six play a part in the molecular pathway of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The six are ITGAM, located on Chromosome 16; BLK, on Chromosome 8; KIAA1542, on Chromosome 11; rs10798269, on Chromosome 1; PXK on Chromosome 3; and BANK1, on Chromosome 4. (Xinhuanet, China)
Lupus in women: New genetic risk factors identified Jan 21, 2008
Montreal, January 20, 2008 An international consortium of clinical scientists and genomics experts, including researchers from the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) and Universit de Montral (UdeM), have uncovered multiple new genetic risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus ... Genome-wide association scan in women with systemic lupus erythematosus identifies susceptibility variants in ITGAM, PXK, KIAA1542 and other loci The International Consortium for... (EurekAlert!)
NEJM editorial on significance and limitations of new lupus gene expression research Jan 21, 2008
For one of the studies, the International Consortium for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Genetics (SLEGEN) coordinated the planning and organization of a large genotyping and data analysis effort that involved contributions from more than 150 participants. While some investigator groups have the patient numbers and financial support to provide important new genetics data independently, the success of the SLEGEN study supports broad collaboration, with credit shared among the many essential... (EurekAlert!)
Genes linked with lupus are revealed, giving hope for new treatments Jan 21, 2008
In an international genetic study of more than 3,000 women, researchers found evidence of an association between Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) and mutations in several different genes. The findings, by scientists from Imperial College London and institutions in the USA and Sweden, will enable researchers to investigate the specific pathways and precise molecular mechanisms involved in developing Lupus, potentially opening up options for new therapies. (EurekAlert!)
Steps toward Stopping Autoimmune Disease Jan 21, 2008
NEW YORK, January 20, 2008A landmark genetic study has identified multiple genes linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1 ... In 2005 the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) formed and supported the International Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Genetics (SLEGEN) Consortium, charging scientists with searching for genetic variants that might predispose an individual to developing lupus. (EurekAlert!)
Scripps research scientists find new genetic mutation that halts the development of lupus Jan 18, 2008
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a serious autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1 ... There has been considerable interest in defining the genetics of systemic lupus erythematosus in recent years, not only for gaining a better understanding of the fundamental causes of the disease but also for the development of potential therapies. (EurekAlert!)
A Woman with Postpartum Visual Loss, Shortness of Breath, and Renal Failure Jan 17, 2008
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Uveitis. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Six New Genetic Variants Associated With Heart Disease Risk Factor Jan 16, 2008
15, 2008) Using new techniques for rapidly scanning the human genome, researchers have associated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, two fats in the blood, to 18 genetic variants, six of which represent new DNA regions never before associated with the traits. The findings help explain some of the variability in cholesterol and triglyceride levels that arises from genes. (Science Daily)
Scientists associate 6 new genetic variants with heart disease risk factor Jan 14, 2008
" The levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood have been shown to predict future risk of heart attack and are known to be influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. Similarly, the amount of triglycerides in the blood is also determined by a mix of genes and lifestyle and is often considered a marker of type 2 diabetes risk, another important contributor to heart disease. To systematically identify genetic variants associated with blood lipid levels, Kathiresan and his colleagues... (EurekAlert!)
46 Million Americans Suffer From Arthritis Jan 5, 2008
In addition, the report includes estimates for related conditions such as fibromyalgia, spondylarthritides, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), systemic sclerosis, Sj. gren's syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, polymyalgia, and rheumatic/giant cell arteritis. (Health-Finder)
The prevalence and impact of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States Jan 3, 2008
The report also includes 2005 prevalence estimates for fibromyalgia, spondylarthritides, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjgrens syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatic/giant cell arteritis, and back and neck pain. Measuring the prevalence of arthritis poses many challenges, acknowledges National Arthritis Data Workgroup spokesperson and member, Dr. Charles G. Helmick. (EurekAlert!)
Protein's New Role Discovered In Autoimmune Disease Jan 3, 2008
5, 2003) Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers have discovered a new type of genetic malfunction that causes an autoimmune disease in mice that resembles systemic lupus erythematosus in. . (Science Daily)
Profound immune system discovery opens door to halting destruction of lupus Dec 14, 2007
5 million Americans with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), and millions more across the globe with this and other autoimmune illnesses, are potentially affected by this discovery. There is no known treatment or cure for lupus, a chronic disorder that can attack virtually any body organ and can be fatal. (EurekAlert!)
Molecular 'Trip Switch' Shuts Down Inflammatory Response: Important Implications For Lupus Dec 14, 2007
19, 1998) Studies on mice with a disease similar to systemic lupus erythematosus, a devastating autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and severe kidney disease, point to a novel therapeutic. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE, and STAT4 Dec 13, 2007
NEJM -- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and STAT4 ... Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and STAT4 ... 6 issue)1 show that a variant allele of STAT4 confers an increased risk of both rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and thus suggest a shared pathway for these diseases. (New England Journal of Medicine)
ZymoGenetics and Merck Serono Initiate Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial of Atacicept in Lupus Nephritis Dec 13, 2007
NEW YORK--()--ZymoGenetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZGEN) and Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, announced today the initiation of a Phase 2/3 clinical trial of atacicept in lupus nephritis, a severe form of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) ... Merck Serono and ZymoGenetics are developing atacicept (formerly referred to as TACI-Ig) as a potential treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, as well as... (BusinessWire)
Lupus gene finding prompts call for more DNA samples Dec 3, 2007
Lupus or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease which frequently causes skin rash, joint pains and malaise, but can also lead to inflammation of the kidneys and other internal organs. The risk of death in SLE is increased fivefold over that of the general population. (EurekAlert!)
Powerful New Efficacy Data in Moderate and Severe Hypertensive Patients Supports FDA Approval of AVALIDE(R) (Irbesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide) as the First Combination Therapy for Initial Use in Patients Likely to Need Multiple Drugs to Achieve Their Blood Nov 20, 2007
-- Because of the hydrochlorothiazide component, AVALIDE is contraindicated in patients with anuria or hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs -- In patients with volume or sodium depletion (eg, patients vigorously treated with diuretics or on dialysis), such depletion should be corrected prior to administration of AVAPRO(R) (irbesartan) or AVALIDE(R) (irbesartan-hydrochlorothiazide), or a lower initial dose of AVAPRO (75 mg) should be used, to avoid possible symptomatic hypotension --... (PR Newswire)
Therapy Effective For Reducing Lupus Flares, Study Suggests Nov 14, 2007
13, 2007) Mayo Clinic researchers have shown that an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplant cases is effective in reducing flare-ups in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) ... 19, 2007) Thirty-six percent of patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus remain well after undergoing B-cell depletion therapy without needing further standard immunosuppressive agents, according. (Science Daily)
Targeted Treatment Strategies For Lupus Suggested By Research Nov 13, 2007
Systemic lupus erythematosus (also called SLE or lupus) is a chronic ... 23, 2001) Scientists studying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease whose symptoms can include neurological damage, have discovered a possible molecular mechanism for. (Science Daily)
Fish Oil May Be Good Supplemental Treatment For Lupus, Study Suggests Nov 12, 2007
Systemic lupus erythematosus (also called SLE or lupus) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and other organs of the body ... 9, 2007) Researchers have shown that an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplant cases is effective in reducing flare-ups in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus ... 23, 2001) Scientists studying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease whose symptoms can... (Science Daily)
Little Evidence Silicone Breast Implants Harm Health Nov 1, 2007
They also noted that a number of studies concluded that there's no link between breast implants and connective tissue diseases (CTDs) -- such as fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis -- or to neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. There's also no evidence that children born to women with breast implants are more likely to have birth defects or other health problems, the review authors said. (Health-Finder)
Breast Implants Don't Cause Disease Oct 30, 2007
Numerous studies have "unanimously concluded" that there is no relationship between breast implants and connective tissue diseases (CTDs) such as fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, or rheumatoid arthritis, the researchers write. These are the disorders that were anecdotally reported and began the implant health scares in the early 1990s. (Newsmax)
Antiphospholipid Syndrome Oct 21, 2007
cfm/lupus_nephritis in patients with coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) ... In patients with coexisting conditions of APS, systemic lupus erythematosus, and lupus nephritis, have been implicated. (Suite101.com)
11-day-old baby gets pacemaker Oct 10, 2007
The baby developed the problem due to his mothers disorder called systemic lupus erythematosus, a form of connected tissue disorder where the carrier does not face any health problem but it is passed on to the offspring. Six days after his birth, the baby was shifted to the Jehangir hospital where a team of specialists, led by chief cardiac surgeon Manoj Pradhan, neonatologist Anshu Sethi and head of cardiology department J.S. Duggal, put the baby under immediate observation. (Times of India)
Recurrent miscarriage:A tale of woe Oct 4, 2007
Autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss usually in association with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Otherwise healthy women with aPL are also at greater risk of recurrent pregnancy loss. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Vaccine-like Treatment Shows Promise For Fighting Lupus Oct 4, 2007
The title of the article is "Depletion of Folate-Receptor-Positive Macrophages Leads to Alleviation of Symptoms and Prolonged Survival in Two Murine Models of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.". Note: This story has been adapted from material provided by American Chemical Society. (Science Daily)
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Sep 27, 2007
Examples of drugs prescribed off-label in autoimmune diseases include l, which is widely used for multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, , and a variety of other autoimmune conditions, and , which is used off-label for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). How This Affects Us. (Suite101.com)
Autoantibodies in Systemic Lupus Sep 26, 2007
Autoantibodies play a role in disease development in systemic lupus erythematosus ... Although the pathology or disease process in systemic lupus erythematosus remains unclear, autoantibodies, particularly antibodies directed against double stranded (ds) DNA are thought to play a role in disease development and progression ... The most frequently associated autoantibodies in SLE include smith (Sm), nucleosomes, histones, and double stranded (ds) DNA. Anti-ds DNA antibodies are the most... (Suite101.com)
Causes of Chest Pain Sep 18, 2007
e. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), uremia from kidney failure, certain medications, and radiation injury. The pain is usually in the center of the chest and is notably worsened when one takes a deep breath (pleuritic chest pain), swallows, or lies down. (Suite101.com)
Immunomedics Announces Fiscal 2007 Results Sep 14, 2007
Epratuzumab's most advanced program is for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). At present, there is no cure for lupus and no new lupus drug has been approved in the U.S. in the last 40 years. (Primezone Releases)
Aspreva Provides Update On Lupus Nephritis Development Program Sep 10, 2007
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own tissues and joints. Lupus nephritis, considered life-threatening, but rare, is the most serious manifestation of SLE. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure, need of dialysis, and potentially death. (Primezone Releases)
Genetic Risk Factor For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus Identified Sep 7, 2007
A genetic variation has been identified that increases the risk of two chronic, autoimmune inflammatory diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). "Although both diseases are believed to have a strong genetic component, identifying the relevant genes has been extremely difficult," says study coauthor Elaine Remmers, Ph. (Science Daily)
2 gene mutations tied to rheumatoid Sep 6, 2007
The researchers also discovered that having two copies of same gene, located on the second-largest chromosome, more than doubled the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting a link between arthritis and the autoimmune disease that can affect the kidneys, heart, lungs and blood. From a practical point of view for using this information for diagnosis or making decisions about an individual, its not very useful, said Gregersen. (MSNBC -- Health)
Genetic Variant Common to Two Autoimmune Diseases Sep 6, 2007
NEJM -- STAT4 and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ... STAT4 and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ... Implicated SNPs were further tested in an independent case control series of 1529 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and 881 controls, all from Sweden, and in a total of 1039 case patients and 1248 controls from three series of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Old Drug Boosts Survival in Lupus Patients Sep 5, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The antimalaria agent, hydroxychloroquine, exerts a "clear protective effect" in terms of survival in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) -- a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system can confuse healthy and foreign tissues and sometimes attacks both, researchers have found. "This 'old medicine' has significant beneficial effects in patients with lupus," first author Dr. Graciela S. Alarcn from University of Alabama at Birmingham told... (MEDLINEplus)
Memory Help for Senior Citizens Aug 26, 2007
Memory loss can be caused by many things, such as head injury that causes hemorrhaging in the brain, a reaction to a medication, Alzheimer's disease, strokes, AIDS, high fever, dehydration, hydrocephalus, systemic lupus erythematosus, Lyme disease, long-term drug or alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies/poor nutrition, hypothyroidism or hypercalcemia, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, or diseases such as Pick's, Parkinson's, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, or Huntington's according to the Milton S. Hershey... (Suite101.com)
New vaccine may help MS patients, study finds Aug 14, 2007
"If successful in MS, antigen-specific DNA vaccines can be developed for prevention or treatment of related diseases, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and myasthenia gravis," the researchers wrote. Free Newsletters. (Scientific American)
Promising DNA Vaccine For Multiple Sclerosis Aug 14, 2007
Archives of Neurology (JAMA/Archives). " These included a reduction in the number of cytokine-producing CD4+ T cells - a kind of white blood cell. This fall was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid as well as in the blood of three patients who volunteered for a lumbar puncture after completing the course of injections. The scientists say that the atorvastatin does not seem to offer any additional benefit. The authors wrote "There were no increases in clinical relapses, disability, drug-associated... (Medical News Today)
Idiopathic membranous nephropathy in pediatric patients: presentation, response to therapy, and long-term outcome Aug 7, 2007
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or hepatitis-related lesions were excluded. The following data were tabulated: age, gender, ethnicity, presenting clinical and laboratory findings, proteinuria in a first morning urine specimen, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFRe), histopathology, type and duration of treatment, and clinical status at final evaluation. (BioMed Central)
Lupus danger'Doctors struggled to diagnose my daughter's illness' Aug 4, 2007
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or "lupus" as it is commonly know as, is a chronic relapsing and remitting autoimmune disorder that can affect any part of the body. Fifteen to 20% of patients develop lupus in childhood or adolescence. (BBC News -- Health)
Genetic Mutations Linked To Lupus Aug 2, 2007
t Dresden in Dresden, Germany, and colleagues report finding variations of the TREX1 gene discovered by Perrino in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The study involved 417 lupus patients from the United Kingdom and Germany. (Science Daily)
Anti-viral Protein That May Predict Risk Of Developing Lupus Identified Jul 31, 2007
Using blood samples from two large repositories, rheumatologist Mary K. Crow, M.D., and her colleagues at Hospital for Special Surgery compared 266 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, with 405 of their healthy relatives. Specifically, Dr. Crow, who is director of Rheumatology Research and associate chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Hospital for Special Surgery, and her team were looking at levels of interferon-alpha. (Science Daily)
Research links genetic mutations to lupus Jul 30, 2007
In Nature Genetics, lead author Min Ae Lee-Kirsch, M.D., from the Technische Universitt Dresden in Dresden, Germany, and colleagues report finding variations of the TREX1 gene discovered by Perrino in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The study involved 417 lupus patients from the United Kingdom and Germany. (EurekAlert!)
Ku Antibodies Jul 23, 2007
Dysregulated function of Ku antigen is seen in various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and thyroiditis, and it s associated with the anti-inflammatory role of the 15-lipoxygenase-1. Who is Affected. (Suite101.com)
Malaria Drugs Cut Cancer Risk in Lupus Patients Jul 21, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Drugs used to treat malaria appear to reduce the risk of malignancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, Spanish researchers report in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. "Antimalarials have consistently shown to improve survival in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus," lead investigator Dr. G. Ruiz-Irastorza told Reuters Health ... Lupus can occur in several forms, but systemic lupus erythematosus -- usually referred to simply as lupus -- is the... (MEDLINEplus)
John Marchalonis dies Jul 19, 2007
Marchalonis's work in autoimmunity helped build the foundation for research on diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In 1992, Marchalonis' group was one of the first to show that humans have autoantibodies to T-cell receptors, suggesting the immune system recognizes and regulates itself in both healthy humans and those with autoimmune disorders. (The Scientist)
