• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Lupus / Scientists Get Close to Genetic Cause of Lupus

Scientists Get Close to Genetic Cause of Lupus

what causes lupus

There is no cure for lupus yet, but new genetic research may at least point to what causes lupus and new treatments for the chronic disease, which affects as many as 1 in 250 Blacks according to lupus.org.

An international team of researchers has identified a gene mutation linked with lupus. An autoimmune disease, lupus causes organ and joint inflammation, fatigue and a number of other problems. In severe cases, symptoms can be debilitating and complications can be fatal.

Current treatments focus on suppressing the immune system to ease symptoms.

“It has been a huge challenge to find effective treatments for lupus, and the immune suppressors currently being used can have serious side effects and leave patients more susceptible to infection. There has only been a single new treatment approved by the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] in about the last 60 years,” says study co-author Carola Vinuesa, co-director of the China Australia Centre for Personalised Immunology (CACPI) and group leader at the Francis Crick Institute in England.

You May Also Like
7 Proven Ways to Cure an Upset Stomach

RELATED: 5 Tips For Staying Healthy With Lupus

The link between the mutation and lupus

“This is the first time a TLR7 mutation has been shown to cause lupus, providing clear evidence of one way this disease can arise,” Vinuesa added in an institute news release.

In this study, scientists conducted whole-genome sequencing on the DNA of a Spanish girl who was diagnosed with severe lupus when she was 7 years old. Such a severe case with early onset of symptoms is rare and indicates a single genetic cause, they explain.

The researchers found that the girl had a single-point mutation in the TLR7 gene, which senses viral RNA. They then identified other cases of severe lupus where this gene was mutated.

To confirm that the mutation causes lupus, the scientists said they introduced it into mice. The rodents then developed the disease, according to the study.

You May Also Like
How One Woman Eliminated 50 Fibroids without Surgery!

“While it may only be a small number of people with lupus who have variants in TLR7 itself, we do know that many patients have signs of

Continue Reading

The Latest In Lupus

6 Reasons To Eat Flaxseed

For something so small, flaxseed has big benefits. Recent studies have shown that flaxseed, known to the world for thousands of years, may aid in lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing bone loss, promoting weight loss, increasing immunity, and fighting read more about 6 Reasons To Eat Flaxseed
how does lupus affect the brain

How Does Lupus Affect The Brain

Lupus may affect the whole body, including the neurological system. According to research, up to 90% of people with lupus experience symptoms involving their brain, spinal cord, or nerves. It's known as neuropsychiatric lupus. When a person has lupus, the read more about How Does Lupus Affect The Brain
Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon Pulls Through: “Take Care Of You Or You Can’t Take Care Of Anyone Else”

Being a celebrity can afford us many of life’s rewards. However, fame doesn’t exempt us from health problems. Now more than ever, celebrities are speaking about their health issues.  Recently, "Wild ‘N Out" creator Nick Cannon revealed that he was read more about Nick Cannon Pulls Through: “Take Care Of You Or You Can’t Take Care Of Anyone Else”
Nick Cannon

After Pneumonia Scare, Nick Cannon Remembers Son 1 Year After His Death

Nick Cannon is currently recovering after being hospitalized for pneumonia, however, that didn't stop him from paying tribute to his late son Zen Scott Cannon, who died one year ago from brain cancer at just five months old. "I can't read more about After Pneumonia Scare, Nick Cannon Remembers Son 1 Year After His Death
what is lupus

7 Conditions Commonly Confused With Lupus

Are you feeling tired, depressed, dizzy, and experiencing skin changes? Have you begun Googling this noticeable shift while self-diagnosing your conditions? You're not at this alone - many people do. You're self-diagnosing without obtaining a medical degree, like, "I might read more about 7 Conditions Commonly Confused With Lupus
chemical peel

Are Chemical Peels The Key To Flawless Skin?

Flawless skin is what many people strive for. To have a face free of imperfections seems like a dream that can actually be accomplished, especially when there are so many procedures and treatments out there to help you achieve the read more about Are Chemical Peels The Key To Flawless Skin?

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • Monica Calhoun at 51: “Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside”Monica Calhoun at 51: "Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside"
  • Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!
  • Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!
  • Shemar Moore Expecting First Child at 52!Shemar Moore Expecting First Child at 52!

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.