A type of immune cell found in the outer layer of the skin, called Langerhans cells, seem to be essential to protect the skin against photosensitivity in cutaneous and systemic forms of lupus. The study, “A protective Langerhans cell–keratinocyte axis that is dysfunctional in photosensitivity,” was published in…
Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial medication, can help normalize levels of an immune molecule that promotes inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, a study shows. The study, “Efficacy analysis of hydroxychloroquine therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a study on disease activity and immunological biomarkers,” was published in the journal Inflammopharmacology. Systemic lupus…
Virgin olive oil, especially its phenol components, showed anti-inflammatory properties in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in human immune cells, according to a new Spanish study. The findings suggest future use in SLE treatment. The research, “Virgin olive oil and its phenol fraction modulate monocyte/macrophage…
In China, mortality rates are higher among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than men, with infection being the leading cause of death, a study reports. According to the researchers, risk factors for poorer outcomes include older age at disease onset, infection, autoimmune anemia, low platelet levels, and pulmonary…
At the time of diagnosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients already show signs of heart impairment, even before any symptoms of chest discomfort, a new imaging study shows. The findings indicate that more lupus patients could receive timely cardiac treatment, according to the researchers from China. The study, “…
Interferon-kappa (IFN-κ), an immune response regulator, is a key mediator of skin lesions and UV light sensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients, a study reports. Its researchers suggest that blocking IFN-κ with a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may be beneficial. The study, “Photosensitivity and type…
Patients participating in Phase 3 clinical trials testing new therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are not necessarily representative of real-world patient populations, according to a new report. Even if the therapies being investigated reach the market, real-world experiences may differ significantly from trial results because many lupus patients…
Skepticism as to whether physicians or other providers should determine one’s health, along with the perception that a medicine is harmful or addictive, help to explain why patients with systemic lupus erythematosus don’t adhere to their medication regimen, a new study shows. Researchers also found that a patient’s age, and…
Baricitinib — a medicine approved in the U.S., Europe, and Japan for rheumatoid arthritis — can significantly improve symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the treatment’s maker, Eli Lilly, and its partner Incyte announced. This is the first completed Phase 2 trial for baricitinib (brand name, Oluminant) in SLE patients, and likely opens the door…
A team of scientists from the University of California San Francisco has developed an innovative technique to genetically engineer genes involved in the body’s immune response. This new approach has the potential to revolutionize the way autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and HIV are treated. …