In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, we will look at new studies published in the field of lupus research. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage in organs like the kidneys and heart. Most lupus patients are women—90% of lupus diagnoses are in women between the ages of 15 and 44.
Recently, scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center studied the iron metabolism of immune cells. Using gene screening tools, scientists found a receptor called CD71 that increased the iron uptake of T cells. In the T cells of lupus patients, elevated CD71 and iron was correlated with disease severity. When researchers blocked CD71 in mice, they found “reduced kidney and liver pathology and increased production of the anti-inflammatory factor, IL-10.” This opens up a new approach to treating SLE patients.
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To raise awareness of more rare autoimmune diseases, we will also continue to feature them in our newsletters: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a suspected autoimmune disease characterized by prolonged pain and inflammation, often following an injury to the limb. Due to its rarity, patients often struggle with diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms range from chronic pain, stiffness of joints, decreased mobility, and involuntary spasms. The pain can be disproportionate to the injury such that a simple sprain can lead to excessive pain and inability to use the limb. Surgery can also bring on the symptoms of CRPS.
CRPS is categorized into Type 1 and Type 2, with Type 2 involving definite nerve injury. It's important to obtain a diagnosis as soon as possible to mitigate the chance of the disease progressing to Type 2. Currently, no specific test can confirm a diagnosis, though physical examinations, nerve conduction studies, and diagnostic scans can be use to aid diagnosis. Treatments are also limited and may include pain medications, physical therapy, spinal cord stimulation, or other types of neural stimulation. While some of the pain medications can be strong, under the proper guidance of a Pain Management Specialist, the risk for opioid addiction is low. In 2022, the Cleveland Clinic was awarded $5.5M by the NIH to study stem cell treatments for the disease.
Please join our registry or share it with a friend who has an autoimmune condition. Don't forget to also join our Mother's Day fundraising for a chance to win a $150 Massage Envy gift card!
