Lupus, also called Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic immune system disorder in which the body’s
immune system produces certain chemicals (auto-antibodies) that act against its
own tissues. To date, there is no well-established single cause for lupus.
Consequently, no effective treatment providing a complete cure has been
discovered. But there are a variety of measures that can be implemented to
control the symptoms or prevent damage to vital organs including the brain,
kidneys, and lungs. These measures include lifestyle modifications such as
healthy diet, assisted aerobic exercises, appropriate use of available
medications for disease management, compliance with medication use, and
management of long term consequences such as lupus nephritis.
Unknown cause, lack of preventive measure, no known cure, and
varied diseases presentations and complications are what make lupus a mystery
for researchers everywhere. In essence, lupus is a complex immune disorder. It
can plague the patient’s life with its widespread health effects, chronicity,
and progressive pattern.
Lupus is thought to have a multifactorial cause and is likely
to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A person
who is genetically predisposed to Lupus may develop the disease when geneticabnormalities are fueled by environmental factors.
What do the studies say?
A large number of studies have been carried out in the past in
an attempt to fully understand the exact mechanism behind development of lupus,
and many more are in progress. Here is a summary of the proposed mechanisms
that are thought to cause or contribute to lupus:
● It is generally believed that
almost all cases of lupus develop due to genetic changes (mutations) occurring
in more than one gene.
● Only very rarely, lupus may be
caused by mutations in single genes. Lupus is primarily caused by mutations in
the genes that regulate various immune system functions.
● Some of the well-established
environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response are diet,
stress, sunlight, and exposure to viruses or chemicals, including some
medications.
● In addition, variations in levels
of sex hormones can also act as “trigger” for lupus.
● Lupus may also be triggered by
medications. This form of lupus is called “Drug-induced” lupus. One out of ten
cases of lupus is thought to occur following exposure to certain medications.
Some common lupus-triggering medications are:
1. Isoniazid
2. Hydralazine
3. Procainamide
Some less common medications
include:
3. Methyldopa
4. Minocycline
5. Quinidine
● Another theory suggests that
remnants of cells that have undergone self-destruction (apoptosis) may release
some chemicals which can cause the immune system to respond in an abnormal
manner. However, the exact “cause and effect” relationship between the
chemicals released by the dead cells and symptoms of lupus is yet to be
elaborated.
● Lupus, like other autoimmune
diseases is seen to pass from parents to the children, supporting the theory of
hereditary transmission of lupus but the inheritance pattern is yet again
unclear.
● It is noticed that abnormal or
mutated genes may be passed from parents to their children but the disease
itself is not passed directly. The inherited genetic mutation is a risk factor
for lupus in the offspring.
● As previously said, the hereditary
inheritance pattern of lupus is still a headache for researchers around the
world. Scientists have revealed that in rare cases, a child with both the parents
carrying mutated genes may develop symptoms of lupus, while neither of the
parents have any observable signs of the conditions. This type of inheritance
pattern is called Autosomal Recessive Pattern.
What can you do?
Limited information on the cause, prevention and treatment of
Lupus should not hold you back from helping someone who has lupus. Though not
everything is not clear about this chronic disabling condition, there are many
things you can do to improve quality of life, prevent complications, delay
episodes of exacerbation and live a normal life. Learn more about Lifestyle and Coping and Lupus Treatment.
Want to know more about lupus? Get expert advice, and
specialized treatments from the Best Doctors in your town.
