ScienceDaily: Lupus News

Important control mechanism behind autoimmune diseases discovered

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:56:56 EST

Researchers have discovered a new control mechanism in our immune system. The discovery is of potential significance to the treatment of serious diseases such as MS (multiple sclerosis), rheumatoid arthritis, and SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus).

New enzyme that acts as innate immunity sensor discovered

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:50:50 EST

Two studies could lead to new treatments for lupus and other autoimmune diseases and strengthen current therapies for viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.

Scientists find a key element of lupus, suggesting better drug targets

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:46:46 EST

Scientists have identified specific cellular events that appear key to lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease that afflicts tens of millions of people worldwide. The findings suggest that blocking this pathway in lupus-triggering cells could be a potent weapon against the disease.

Immune cell 'survival' gene key to better myeloma treatments

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:55:55 EST

Scientists have identified the gene essential for survival of antibody-producing cells, a finding that could lead to better treatments for diseases where these cells are out of control, such as myeloma and chronic immune disorders. They discovered that a gene called Mcl-1 is critical for keeping this vital immune cell population alive.

Lupus drugs carry no significant cancer risk for patients, study suggests

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:40:40 EST

People who take immunosuppressive drugs to treat lupus do not necessarily increase their cancer risk according to new research. This study addresses long-standing fears of a link between lupus medication and cancer.

Immune cell death defects linked to autoimmune diseases

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:16:16 EST

Researchers have discovered that the death of immune system cells is an important safeguard against the development of diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which occur when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

How innate immune cells are involved in the development of type 1 diabetes

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:34:34 EST

A new study by researchers in France sheds light on type 1 diabetes -- a disease characterized by the self-destruction of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. The research reveals the role of the innate immune cells, especially the dendritic cells, that cause the activation of the killer T-lymphocytes whose action is directed against the p pancreatic cells. The results obtained in mice make it possible to consider new ways of regulating the auto-immune reaction generated by the innate immune cells.

Lenalidomide offers an effective alternative treatment for cutaneus lupus erythematosus, study suggests

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:31:31 EST

Although rare there are several treatments available for cutaneus lupus erythematosus (CLE). However other options are needed for people who do not respond to medication or relapse. A new study into the thalidomide derivative lenalidomide shows that treatment with lenalidomide is safe, with patients seeing an improvement in as little as two weeks.

Uranium exposure linked to increased lupus rate

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:37:37 EST

People living near a former uranium ore processing facility in Ohio are experiencing a higher than average rate of lupus, according a new study.

Genetic defense mechanism may offer biological clue to racial disparities in kidney disease

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:59:59 EST

Genetic changes that protected their ancestors against fly-borne parasites may partly explain why African-Americans with lupus are up to five times more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease than those of European descent.

Researchers identify impact of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus on joint replacement surgery outcomes

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EST

Two new studies have overturned common beliefs about joint replacement in patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Uranium exposure linked to high lupus rates in community living near a former refinery

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:58:58 EST

High rates of systemic lupus erythematosus have been linked to living in proximity to a former uranium ore processing facility in Ohio, according to new research findings.

Women with lupus have a higher risk for preeclampsia

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:28:28 EDT

New research reports that women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a two-fold increase in risk of preeclampsia —- a dangerous condition in which pregnant women develop high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in their urine (proteinuria) after 20 weeks of gestation.

Vitamin D supplements may benefit lupus patients

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:39:39 EDT

A new clinical study provides preliminary evidence that vitamin D supplementation could be considered an immunomodulatory agent for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized not only by skin, joint, neurological and renal symptoms, but also by inflammation of tissue linings in the body.

Immunologists find a molecule that puts the brakes on inflammation

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:53:53 EDT

We couldn't live without our immune systems, always tuned to detect and eradicate invading pathogens and particles. But sometimes the immune response goes overboard, triggering autoimmune diseases like lupus, asthma or inflammatory bowel disease. A new study has now identified a crucial signaling molecule involved in counterbalancing the immune system attack.

Chronic exposure to staph bacteria may be risk factor for lupus

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:20:20 EDT

Chronic exposure to even small amounts of staph bacteria could be a risk factor for the chronic inflammatory disease lupus, new research shows.

What happens when we sunburn: Red is RNA damage to skin cells

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 16:22:22 EDT

The biological mechanism of sunburn – the reddish, painful, protective immune response from ultraviolet (UV) radiation – is a consequence of RNA damage to skin cells, report researchers.

Study sheds light on pregnancy complications and overturns common belief

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:05:05 EDT

Women who have a specific type of antibody that interferes with blood vessel function are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and that other antibodies in the same family thought to cause pregnancy complications do not put women at risk, new research shows.

Delivery system for gene therapy may help treat arthritis

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT

A DNA-covered submicroscopic bead used to deliver genes or drugs directly into cells to treat disease appears to have therapeutic value just by showing up, researchers report.

Eye color may indicate risk for serious skin conditions

Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:01 EDT

Eye color may be an indicator of whether a person is high-risk for certain serious skin conditions. A new study shows people with blue eyes are less likely to have vitiligo.

How stem cell therapy can keep the immune system under control

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT

A new study outlines the specifics of how autoimmune disorders can be controlled by infusions of mesenchymal stem cells.

The long arm of the dendritic cell: A link between atherosclerosis and autoimmunity

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:29:29 EDT

Patients with autoimmune diseases often show a predisposition to develop "hardening of the arteries" or atherosclerosis. Researchers have now uncovered a mechanism that establishes a causal link between the two disorders.

Virus protects against lupus

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:25:25 EDT

To the surprise of investigating researchers, an animal model of Epstein Barr virus protected lupus-prone mice against development of the autoimmune disease. Earlier work had suggested that EBV might promote the development of autoimmunity.

Estrogen is responsible for slow wound healing in women, study finds

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT

Estrogen causes wounds in women to heal slower than in men -- who have lower levels of estrogen -- says a new study. Researchers provide the first evidence that mild injury response in the eye is fundamentally different in males and females because of estrogen.

Rare immune cells could hold key to treating immune disorders

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT

The characterization of a rare immune cell's involvement in antibody production and ability to "remember" infectious agents could help to improve vaccination and lead to new treatments for immune disorders.

R-loops break down gene silencing

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:17:17 EST

Researchers have figured out how the human body keeps essential genes switched "on" and silences the vast stretches of genetic repeats and "junk" DNA.

Mutation drives viral sensors to initiate autoimmune disease

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:36:36 EST

A new study uses a mouse model of a human autoimmune disease to reveal how abnormal regulation of the intracellular sensors that detect invading viruses can lead to autoimmune pathology. The research provides key insight into mechanisms that underlie the development of autoimmune disease and may lead to more effective strategies for therapeutic intervention.

Link between autoimmune diseases and wounds that don't heal examined

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:57:57 EST

Millions of Americans suffer from wounds that don't heal, and while most are typically associated with diabetes, new research has identified another possible underlying cause – autoimmune diseases. The finding represents an unappreciated link that could lead to important new insights in wound healing, say researchers.

Mycophenolate is superior to azathioprine as treatment for lupus nephritis, study finds

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:47:47 EST

A new large, international study finds that the immunosuppressant drug mycophenolate mofetil is superior to azathioprine, an older immunosuppressant, as a maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis.

Most lupus nephritis patients with end-stage renal disease opt for hemodialysis therapy

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:39:39 EST

Newly published research shows that more patients with end-stage renal disease caused by lupus nephritis choose hemodialysis as their initial kidney replacement therapy over peritoneal dialysis and preemptive kidney transplantation. Results of the study also found that African-Americans, Medicaid recipients, those without health insurance, and the unemployed had significantly reduced initiation of peritoneal dialysis.

Life challenges prevent those with lupus from keeping doctors' appointments

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:11:11 EST

The first step towards successful medical care is to see a physician, but for some patients this isn't as simple or easy as it may sound. A new study finds that many lupus patients with low socioeconomic status are unable to attend scheduled appointments with physicians due to daily obstacles.

Most women with lupus can have successful pregnancy outcomes, study finds

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:11:11 EST

Promising research may offer hope for women with lupus who once thought that pregnancy was too risky.

Statin therapy fails to slow progression of atherosclerosis in pediatric lupus patients, study finds

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:30:30 EDT

Atorvastatin therapy was found to be ineffective in reducing atherosclerosis progression in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Results of the Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus Trial show that the statin therapy did trend toward positive effect of treatment and may benefit patients with more severe SLE who were not included in the trial.

'Master key' to unlock new treatments for autoimmune disorders discovered

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:28:28 EDT

Imagine a drug that treats most autoimmune disorders, such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and Lupus. New research shows how scientists have discovered a molecule used by the body to prevent unnecessary immune reactions. This molecule, "alpha v beta 6," normally keeps our immune systems from overreacting when food passes through our bodies, and it may unlock an entirely new set of treatments for autoimmune disorders.

Continued treatment for lupus may boost survival of those patients with end-stage kidney disease

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:33:33 EDT

Researchers have shown that close supervision by rheumatologists and the use of immunosuppressant drugs improve the survival of lupus patients with end-stage kidney disease -- a finding that could reverse long-standing clinical practice.

Components that keep immune system in check identified

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:39:39 EDT

Researchers have revealed the genetic underpinnings of cells -- called Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells or Tregs -- that can prevent the immune response from turning cannibalistic. Their finding lends insight into these key cells, which are currently being tested as treatments for diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, arthritis and lupus.

Defect in A20 gene expression can contribute to onset of rheumatoid arthritis

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:13:13 EDT

Researchers in Belgium have shown that a defective gene can contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, an often-crippling inflammation of the joints that afflicts about one percent of the world's population.

New anti-inflammatory agents silence overactive immune response

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:20:20 EDT

A new way to fight inflammation uses molecules called polymers to mop up the debris of damaged cells before the immune system becomes abnormally active, researchers report.

B-cell discovery suggests why women suffer more autoimmune disease

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:36:36 EDT

Researchers report the discovery of a new type of cell that makes autoantibodies, which attack the body's own tissues. It is more common in elderly female mice and humans with autoimmune disease. An application for a patent has been made for a method to treat autoimmune disease by depleting these cells.

Vitamin D insufficiency prevalent among psoriatic arthritis suffers

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:14:14 EDT

New research reports a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among patients with psoriatic arthritis. Seasonal variation in vitamin D levels was not observed in patients in southern or northern locations. The findings also show no association between disease activity and vitamin D level.

New genetic risk factors of lupus found in study of African-American women

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:19:19 EDT

Researchers have found four new genetic variants in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that confer a higher risk of systemic lupus erythemathosus ("lupus") in African American women. The study is believed to be the first to comprehensively assess the association between genetic variants in the MHC region and risk of lupus in African American women.

Etanercept shows promise for treating dermatomyositis, study suggests

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:15:15 EDT

A multicenter pilot study of etanercept for treatment of dermatomyositis found no major safety concerns and many patients treated with the drug were successfully weaned from steroid therapy. These results are encouraging, but larger studies are needed to further investigate the safety and efficacy of etanercept.

HPV vaccine Gardasil does not increase disease activity in SLE patients, study shows

Thu, 26 May 2011 06:47:47 EDT

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, does not increase the incidence of flares (unpredictable worsening of symptoms signaling increased disease activity) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, and has a tolerable safety profile, according to new research.

African-Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus more responsive to flu vaccine than patients of European descent

Thu, 19 May 2011 09:01:01 EDT

New research shows that African-Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had a higher antibody response to influenza vaccination than European American patients. Treatment with prednisone, a history of hemolytic anemia, and increased disease flares were also linked to low antibody response in SLE patients who received the flu vaccine according to the study.

Macrophage activation syndrome: Clues to calming a cytokine storm

Mon, 16 May 2011 12:14:14 EDT

By analyzing complex interactions of the immune system in an animal study, pediatric researchers have found potential tools for controlling a life-threatening condition called a cytokine storm that may strike children who have juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The study is a first step toward developing new treatments for a condition called macrophage activation syndrome.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: New test could give SLE patients a more tolerable life

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:14:14 EDT

Five million people worldwide suffer from the chronic rheumatic disease SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus. Together with rheumatologists, researchers in Sweden are on the way to developing a new test that could resolve a number of question marks surrounding the disease and in the long run improve the lives of SLE patients.

Protective T-cells, which are used in stem-cell treatment, can cause the body to attack itself

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:18:18 EDT

Researchers have made an important discovery that provides a new understanding of how our immune system "learns" not to attack our own body, and this could affect the way doctors treat patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Researchers identify novel pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for autoimmunity

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:03:03 EDT

Researchers have discovered that human proteins with an affinity for dermatan sulfate (DS) have the propensity to become autoantigens. In a companion article, the researchers also found that DS physically interacts with dead cells and that the resulting DS-autoantigen complexes drive autoreactive B-1a cell responses and autoantibody production both in-vitro and in mouse models.

Discovery of relationship between proteins may impact development of cancer therapies

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:12:12 EDT

By identifying a surprising association of two intracellular proteins, researchers have laid the groundwork for the development of new therapies to treat B cell lymphomas and autoimmune disease.

Study finds changes in incidence of end-stage renal disease from lupus nephritis

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:24:24 EDT

New research documenting changes in the incidence and outcomes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the US between 1995 and 2006, found a significant increase in incidence rates among patients 5 to 39 years of age and in African Americans. A second related study revealed high rates of adverse outcomes among children with ESRD due to lupus nephritis.

Pre-eclampsia: Genetic errors linked to life-threatening pregnancy disorder

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:22:22 EDT

Scientists have identified genetic errors in women with autoimmune diseases that increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in 10 percent of all pregnancies.

New drug approved for treating most common type of lupus

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:37:37 EST

A new drug -- Benlysta (belimumab) -- has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Benlysta, which treats the most common type of lupus, is the first in a new class of pharmaceuticals that prevents the body from attacking its own critical tissues.

New clue to lupus: Failed autoimmune suppression mechanism

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:38:38 EST

Researchers have identified a regulatory defect that drives lupus. Correcting the defect may represent an effective therapeutic approach to systemic lupus erythematosus-like autoimmune disease, researchers suggest.

Key to understanding cause of lupus

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:33:33 EST

Potentially impacting future diagnosis and treatment of lupus, an immune illness affecting more than five million people worldwide, researchers have likely uncovered where the breakdown in the body's lymphocyte molecular regulatory machinery is occurring.

Link to increased atherosclerosis risk in lupus patients uncovered

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:04:04 EST

Researchers have demonstrated interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For the first time, IFN-α priming was shown to promote lipid uptake and foam cell formation—a crucial step in plaque build-up. This activation of the IFN signaling pathway may be linked to the premature atherosclerosis risk in SLE.

Accurate interpretation of antinuclear antibodies test key to confirming autoimmune disease

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:16:16 EST

The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) indicates the possibility of autoimmunity and the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay on HEp-2 cells is the standard blood test (ANA-HEp-2) used to detect ANA. However, studies have shown that a “false-positive” ANA test occurs in up to 13% of healthy individuals. In such cases the test detects the presence of autoantibodies that apparently are not associated with autoimmunity. Researchers from Brazil have now uncovered distinguishing characteristics of the ANA test in healthy individuals and patients with autoimmune disease, reducing the likelihood of an erroneous autoimmune disorder diagnosis.

Vitamin D deficiencies may impact onset of autoimmune lung disease

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:40:40 EST

A new study shows that vitamin D deficiency could be linked to the development and severity of certain autoimmune lung diseases.

Immune cell plays unexpected role in autoimmune disease

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:20:20 EST

A new study provides fascinating insight into the underlying pathology associated with the autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The research reveals an unexpected role for a key type of immune cell and provides a potential new therapeutic strategy for SLE and, potentially, other autoimmune diseases.

Lupus patients: The doctor, nurse and social worker are here to see you

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:31:31 EST

The benefits of collaborative, multidisciplinary care of patients with complex autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis are just beginning to be appreciated by physicians. New research demonstrates the advantages of such a specialized disease center dedicated to comprehensive lupus care.

New assessment tool helps shed light on lupus in kids worldwide

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:30:30 EST

A newly designed tool is helping researchers shed light on the quality of life of children with lupus around the world.