What is the main mechanism for lupus disease?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) is characterized by a global loss of self-tolerance with activation of autoreactive T and B cells leading to production of pathogenic autoantibodies and tissue injury. Innate immune mechanisms are necessary for the aberrant adaptive immune responses in SLE.
How does the immune system respond to lupus?
In individuals with lupus, both B cells and T cells become overactive. The two main consequences of this increased activity are the production of autoantibodies (antibodies that recognize and destroy the body’s own cells) and inflammation that can lead to long-term, irreversible scarring.
What are the psychological effects of lupus?
Lupus can directly affect thinking, mood, and personality. When it has these effects, it is called neuropsychiatric lupus. Symptoms of neuropsychiatric lupus include: Cognitive dysfunction: Refers to a variety of related experiences, including forgetfulness, worry, mistrust, and a general difficulty in thinking.
How does lupus erythematosus affect the musculoskeletal system?
Lupus and the muscles. Lupus often causes myalgia, or aches and pains in the muscles. Less often, lupus can cause myositis, or inflammation in the muscles — usually in the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. The most common symptom of myositis is muscle weakness.
What causes lupus to flare up?
What can trigger a lupus flare? Emotional stress — such as a divorce, death in the family, or other life complications — and anything that causes physical stress to the body — such as surgery, physical harm, pregnancy, or giving birth — are examples of triggers that can set off lupus or bring about a lupus flare.
How does lupus affect homeostasis?
Lupus T cells are shifted towards an over-activated state, important signaling pathways are rewired, and signaling molecules are replaced. Disturbances in metabolic and organelle homeostasis, importantly within the mitochondrial, endosomal, and autophagosomal compartments, underlie the changes in signal transduction.
Does lupus give you mood swings?
Mood swings and personality changes. People with lupus may experience unpredictable changes in moods and personality traits. This can include feelings of anger and irritability. These may be related to the disease process or, in some cases, the use of corticosteroid medications.
Is lupus a musculoskeletal disease?
Involvement of the musculoskeletal system is extremely common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Arthralgia, arthritis, osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis of bone), and myopathy are the principal manifestations.
What body parts does lupus affect?
Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
