Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be categorized into three subsets based on disease activity: chronic active disease, relapsing-remitting disease, and clinical quiescent disease. Despite the fact that these disease definitions are based on the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) or the SLEDAI-2000, there is disagreement on the exact definitions of…
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have recently developed a groundbreaking technology that can help shed more light on the countless genetic molecules that can switch from active to inactive throughout an individual’s lifespan, much like switches. The study was titled, “Individuality and Variation of Personal…
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have published an article entitled “Genome-wide transcriptional profiling data from skin of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) patients”, in the journal Data in Brief, concerning their findings on the genetic differences between lupus patients with skin involvement…
An international collaboration of scientists evaluated literature concerning the mechanism of action of epratuzumab, a monoclonal antibody currently in two Phase 3 clinical trials for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and proposed a reason for the efficacy of treatment. The antibody targets CD22 receptors on B-cells, depleting the population through signaling…
According to a recent press release from UCB, a global biopharma company, results from its Phase 3 clinical trials in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) revealed that Epratuzumab did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint. A total of 786 and 788 patients with SLE took part…
Professionally, Chloe Barlow is an attorney at law, but after receiving a diagnosis of lupus, she rekindled her childhood love for writing as a means to cope with her illness. “I first started having symptoms when I was 12, but they were always very mysterious,” said Chloe in the…
In a new study entitled “Genome-Wide Assessment of Differential DNA Methylation Associated with Autoantibody Production in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” researchers identified that epigenetic modifications in the DNA, specifically DNA methylation, is associated with autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus. The study was published in the open-access journal…
In a recent study presented during the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Annual European Congress of Rheumatology, patients suffering from moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have been treated with Benlysta have a low incidence of organ damage. SLE, commonly referred to as lupus, is a severe autoimmune disease in which…
The second most common experience of patients with newly onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was found to be mood disorders, with roughly one third of the occurrences related to the disease. The finding came from a recent study led by John Hanly and presented during the European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology…
A multidisciplinary team of researchers from Emory University have recently released results from a study that could advance treatment options for autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus (Lupus) or rheumatoid arthritis, by better defining the cells that produce auto-reactive antibodies. The study, entitled, “Long-Lived Plasma Cells…