Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or more commonly known as Lupus, is a systemic autoimmune disease. This disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues of the human body. SLE can cause inflammation in many areas and organs of the human body such as joints, skin, heart, lungs and kidneys. This disease has chronic characteristics and can manifest through periods of flare-ups and remission.
Diagnosis of Real Causes & Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Gradual restoration of cellular function
- Personalized therapeutic protocols, without chemical residues and excipients
- Treating the real causes
- Therapeutic formulas that work alone or in combination with any other medication
- Adopting a Molecular / Therapeutic Nutrition Plan
Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
The most common symptom of Lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash on the facial area that spreads to the cheeks and nose. Nevertheless, rashes can develop in other areas of the body as well. Other symptoms include fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, eye dryness, hair thinning or loss, anemia, confusion, headaches, joint pain/swelling or fatigue.
Epidemiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus is more common in women and usually develops in the ages of 15-45. It is estimated that in USA almost 1.5 million people suffer from SLE. Race and ethnic background affect the frequency of SLE. More specifically, the disease is more frequent in blacks and Hispanics.
Worldwide, the prevalence of SLE varies considerably. Increased prevalence of the disease has been reported in Spain, Italy and the Afro-Caribbean population of the United Kingdom.
Pathophysiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder. In this disease numerous inflammation sites are reported. Furthermore, autoantibodies are produced and may be present for long periods of time before any symptoms arise.
The real causes of lupus remain largely unknown. However, people with a genetic predisposition (more than 60 genes are reported) for lupus can develop the disease after coming in contact with environmental factors (e.g. sunlight), certain medications (e.g. antibiotics, blood pressure drugs) or during an infection.
A proposed mechanism for the disease, implicates a defective apoptotic procedure (i.e. the programmed cell-death) that not only increases the cell death but also causes immune intolerance.
Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are present in almost all individuals suffering from SLE. Antibodies to native double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is another biomarker used for the diagnosis of SLE.
Causes for the appearance of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Multiple genetic predispositions and environmental factors (exposure to UV radiation, specific drugs, microbial infections) have been identified as possible causes for the disease.
Patients suffering from SLE tend to have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus and higher viral circulating loads. Viral infections are known to stimulate the immune system and more specifically B-cells. Chronic infections have been blamed for the possibility of triggering mistaken responses by the immune system and thus contributing to the onset of autoimmune diseases.
Early-life factors have also been proposed as triggers for the disease. These factors include:
- Low birth weight (<2500g)
- Preterm birth (>1 month)
- Exposure to agricultural pesticides during childhood
Vitamin D deficiency is long known to be implicated in autoimmunity and rheumatic illnesses such as SLE. More specifically, scientific studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency in individuals with distinct gene polymorphisms increased the risk of developing SLE.
There are also other risk factors that have been identified as possibly contributing to the onset of SLE. These include:
- Smoking
- Silica dust
- Estrogen intake in post-menopausal women
- Photosensitivity
Complications
People suffering from SLE present a higher risk of developing:
- Pregnancy complications (increased risk of miscarriage)
- Infections
- Heart inflammation (pericarditis)
- Kidney failure
- Impaired memory
- Behavioral changes
- Pleuritis
