http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/lupus/ Lupus News. Read the latest research on lupus and related autoimmune diseases, including new experimental treatments. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/lupus/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm 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. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm 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. Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm A new study outlines the specifics of how autoimmune disorders can be controlled by infusions of mesenchymal stem cells. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102943.htm 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. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162555.htm 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. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094341.htm 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. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094316.htm 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. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302101712.htm Researchers have figured out how the human body keeps essential genes switched "on" and silences the vast stretches of genetic repeats and "junk" DNA. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302101712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123657.htm 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. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135756.htm 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. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116174744.htm 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. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116174744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107033946.htm 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. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107033946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151159.htm 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. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151157.htm Promising research may offer hope for women with lupus who once thought that pregnancy was too risky. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027083041.htm 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. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027083041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122858.htm 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. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920173347.htm 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. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920173347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919113947.htm 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. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919113947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816111303.htm 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. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816111303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815152031.htm 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. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815152031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804133606.htm 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. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804133606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711081419.htm 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. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711081419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624111932.htm 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. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624111932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617081548.htm 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. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617081548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526064755.htm 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. Thu, 26 May 2011 06:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526064755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110519090136.htm 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. Thu, 19 May 2011 09:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110519090136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516121425.htm 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. Mon, 16 May 2011 12:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516121425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509091418.htm 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. Mon, 09 May 2011 09:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509091418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131822.htm 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. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425120349.htm 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. Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425120349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419101245.htm 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. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419101245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328092417.htm 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. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328092417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322172219.htm 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. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322172219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310093758.htm 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. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110310093758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110203163811.htm 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. Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110203163811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201083351.htm 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. Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110201083351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110127090445.htm 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. Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110127090445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104071651.htm 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. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104071651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104064020.htm A new study shows that vitamin D deficiency could be linked to the development and severity of certain autoimmune lung diseases. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104064020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216122008.htm 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. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101216122008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101109133147.htm 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. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101109133147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101109113030.htm A newly designed tool is helping researchers shed light on the quality of life of children with lupus around the world. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101109113030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101107202153.htm Lupus puts children at higher risk for coronary artery disease when they become adults, but routinely using statins doesn't provide enough benefit to warrant their regular use in children and adolescents, according to the largest study of pediatric lupus patients to date. Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101107202153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104171340.htm Today, individuals with lupus nephritis benefit from better treatments than a decade ago, according to a new review. The article suggests that patients with the disease can now live full lives without suffering from many treatment-related side effects that plagued them in the past. In the future, patients will likely experience additional benefits from treatment strategies currently being explored in clinical trials. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101104171340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004151727.htm Researchers have identified a new type of cell in mice that dampens the immune system and protects the animal's own cells from immune system attack. Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004151727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100928152012.htm Researchers in England say they have discovered a set of biomarkers that can distinguish prostate cancer from benign prostate disease and healthy tissue with 90 percent accuracy. This preliminary data, if validated in larger ongoing studies, could be developed into a serum protein test that reduces the number of unnecessary biopsies and identifies men who need treatment before symptoms begin. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100928152012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100928111246.htm Results from a 12-month multi-center clinical trial did not show therapeutic benefit of abatacept over placebo in patients with non-life threatening systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Abatacept failed to prevent new disease flares in SLE patients tapered from corticosteroids in an analysis where mild, moderate and severe disease flares were evaluated together. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100928111246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100915140126.htm A new focus on the immune system's ability to both unleash and restrain its attack on disease has led scientists to identify cells in mice that prevent the immune system from attacking the animals' own cells, protecting them from autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus. Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100915140126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100914102110.htm Researchers have identified a risk gene for schizophrenia, including a potentially causative mutation, using genome-wide association data-mining techniques and independent replications. Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100914102110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100908121923.htm Elimination of a molecular gatekeeper leads to the development of arthritis in mice, scientists report. The newly discovered gatekeeper is a protein that determines the fate -- survival or death -- of damaging cells that mistakenly attack the body's own tissues and lead to autoimmune disorders. Better understanding how arthritis develops will offer scientists an opportunity to explore new treatments for patients who have not had success with current therapies. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100908121923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902093452.htm Humans -- males in particular -- with a variant form of the immune receptor gene "Toll Like Receptor 7" are at increased risk of developing the autoimmune disease lupus. This finding offers renewed hope for developing more targeted treatments. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902093452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823172327.htm The extent to which vitamin D deficiency may increase susceptibility to a wide range of diseases is dramatically highlighted in newly published research. Scientists have mapped the points at which vitamin D interacts with our DNA -- and identified over two hundred genes that it directly influences. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823172327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823162324.htm Researchers have found that a variation in a gene on the sex chromosome X may enhance an immune response that leads to lupus in men. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823162324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100819092908.htm 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. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100819092908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803132738.htm Researchers have found a new mechanism that explains how certain immune cells are activated to create protective antibodies against infections or pathological antibodies such as those present in autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803132738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100726151605.htm Researchers have uncovered the biological rationale for why large doses of corticosteroids given repeatedly over several weeks may help individuals with lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects more than one million people in the US. Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100726151605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100624092534.htm Researchers have uncovered an association between free radical-mediated reactions and the severity and progression of system lupus erythematosus. Higher levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress markers were found in SLE patients with greater disease activity suggesting a causal relationship. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100624092534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618081335.htm Systemic lupus erythematosus patients from Brazil and rheumatoid arthritis patients from France report that their rheumatic conditions negatively affect their emotional relationships and sex lives, according to new research. Furthermore, findings of the French study specifically revealed a strong correlation between RA disease severity and impact on sex life. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618081335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618081327.htm The effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may differ based on the individual patient's genealogical heritage, according to results of a new study. In particular, the study reinforced differences in SLE phenotype found between Northern and Southern European subpopulations. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618081327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618081323.htm Women who drink tea have an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with those who drink none (p=0.04), according to results of a new study. Further results from the same study showed no correlation between the amount of coffee consumption and RA incidence (p=0.16). Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618081323.htm