A study published in the December 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that some women with inactive or stable lupus can use oral contraceptives containing estrogen without triggering significant disease activity.
Researchers used a technique called gene expression microarray to look for blood markers of lupus disease activity. The study found 137 markers that appeared at altered levels in the blood of active lupus patients, and thus may be indicators of disease activity.
High density lipoprotein is usually considered the "good" cholesterol, since higher levels of this kind of cholesterol protect against heart disease and strokes (atherosclerosis). Research presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology suggests that an altered form of (HDL) called pro-inflammatory HDL piHDL, may be linked with atherosclerosis and heart disease in people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Past research has suggested that obesity is linked to inflammation in the body and might be a major cause of illness in obese people. In this study of 100 people with lupus, the results showed that the obese group had worse function, more fatigue, and their blood tests showed more evidence of inflammation.
Blood tests that can predict flares of lupus and that are useful to monitor the success of treatments (biomarkers) are very much needed to improve treatment of lupus patients. The researchers of this study have found that C4d, a fragment of proteins that cause inflammation (complement proteins), is increased on red blood cells of people with active lupus.
The Human Genome Project was an extraordinary collaboration of scientists that found all of the genes in the human body. In a follow-up to that project, a group of scientists has now compiled a partial catalog of human genetic variation. By producing a catalogue of inherited variations in a wide range of genes that span the genome, it is hoped that this could speed the search for the genetic roots of many diseases.
Since early studies suggested that mycophenolate mofetil (or CellCept®) may be effective for treating lupus nephritis, this study compared mycophenolate (which is given in pill form) with monthly doses of intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide for individuals with active lupus kidney disease (nephritis). In this 24-week trial mycophenolate mofetil was more effective than IV cyclophosphamide in inducing remission of lupus nephritis and had a more favorable safety profile.
Research presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology indicates that treatment in a mouse model of lupus with the anti-seizure drug Depakote® (valproate) can prevent skin and kidney disease.