Lupus
Molecule identified that could lead to new drugs for lupus and Sjogren’s
An inflammatory molecule that appears to play an essential role in systemic lupus erythematosus has been identified by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital, they report in Nature Immunology.
The protein seems to regulate cells in the innate immune system – the body’s first line of defence against infection. Studies on mice found that the protein’s activity is needed for the development of lupus symptoms. It is hoped that suppressing the innate immune pathway could reduce symptoms of the autoimmune disorder. Continue reading
Exposure to humour may reduce cortisol (anti-inflammatory hormone) in people with lupus
When people with systemic lupus erythematosus laugh, their levels of cytokines do not decrease but there are some suggestions of lowered cortisol secretion, scientists report in the European Journal of Rheumatology.
Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory hormone. And cytokines are molecules that help regulate the immune response. Continue reading
UK local authorities missing the health needs of people with arthritis and back pain
Many communities are being failed by local authorities in England, says a report from Arthritis Research UK, which highlights that 26% of local authorities did not mention arthritis in their Joint Strategic Needs Assessments. And 62% of local authorities missed back pain in their assessment of the health needs of the communities that they serve. Continue reading
Paracetamol: long-term risks may be underestimated says new review
The long-term health risks that could be associated with the commonly-taken painkiller paracetamol need to be reassessed, says a group led by Prof Philip Conaghan of the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Continue reading
Winter lupus flares associated with low vitamin D levels – new findings
Guidelines for vitamin D supplements for people with systemic lupus erythematosus may need to be reviewed following a small study that suggests that winter flares could be down to low levels of the essential vitamin.
People with SLE are prone to lack of vitamin D because of their photosensitivity. Continue reading
