Antibodies to DNA

Article Abstract:

The presence of antibodies against DNA is one of the characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Many healthy people have antibodies to single-strand DNA but SLE patients have antibodies to double-strand DNA. They also appear to have defects in the immune system so the antibodies are not destroyed. Animal research shows that antibodies to DNA can be caused by chemicals, bacterial and viral proteins, and DNA-protein complexes. The antibodies can damage blood vessels and the kidneys. Immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat SLE but researchers hope to develop more specific drugs with fewer side effects.

Health aspects, Autoantibodies, Physiological aspects, DNA

---

An echocardiographic study of valvular heart disease associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Article Abstract:

Heart valve disease appears to be common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and can be a leading cause of death. This was demonstrated in a study of 69 people with systemic lupus erythematosus and 56 healthy volunteers. Echocardiograms revealed that 61% of the lupus patients had heart valve disease compared to only 9% of the healthy participants. The valve disease sometimes resolved and was not always associated with a worsening of lupus. Seven lupus patients died during the study, six of some type of heart disease.

Causes of, Heart valve diseases

---

Systemic lupus erythematosus and accelerated atherosclerosis

Article Abstract:

People who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a greater than normal risk of developing atherosclerosis, according to two studies published in 2003. Therefore, doctors should counsel these patients to eliminate other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking. SLE may cause atherosclerosis by increasing inflammation in the body.

Risk factors, Atherosclerosis

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Large vessel occlusive disease associated with CREST syndrome and scleroderma. Antinuclear and antiphospholipid autoantibodies in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease
• Abstracts: A cystic fibrosis mutation associated with mild lung disease. Genomics as a probe for disease biology
• Abstracts: Incidence of end-stage renal disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. Isolated pancreas transplantation for type 1 diabetes: a doctor's dilemma
• Abstracts: Screening for Chlamydia - a key to the prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease. Genital chlamydial infections
• Abstracts: Is gatekeeping better than traditional care? A survey of physicians' attitudes. Academic-industrial relationships in the life sciences

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.