LUPUS

Does genetics play a role in the

development of Lupus?
OVERVIEW
• Definition of Lupus
• Types of Lupus
• Symptoms
• Who does Lupus affect?
• Causes of Lupus
• Treatments
• Conclusion
 Definition
• “ Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect
various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints,
blood, and kidneys. The body's immune system normally
makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body
against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials.
These foreign materials are called antigens. In an
autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system
loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign
substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The
immune system then makes antibodies directed against
"self." These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies," react
with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes. The
immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause
inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain.”
 Types of Lupus
• Discoid lupus , also known as DLE, effects the skin.
Rashes on the face, neck, and scalp are synonymous with
DLE. Discoid lupus usually doesn’t involve the internal
organs.
• Systemic is more severe than discoid lupus. Almost any
organ or system in the body can be affected. The symptoms are
so different in many people that no two people will have the
same symptoms.

• Drug Induced lupus occurs with the use of some

prescription drugs. Drug induced lupus symptoms are similar
to those of systemic lupus. The symptoms gradually go away
after the discontinuation of the medicine.
 Symptoms
• There are many symptoms connected with lupus. These
symptoms can affect any part of the body. Although there
are so many symptoms most people only have a few of
them.

Butterfly Rash
Achy joints 95%
Fever more than 100 degrees 90%
Arthritis 90%
Prolonged or extreme fatigue 81%
Skin rashes 74%
Anemia 71%
Kidney problems 50%
Pain in chest when breathing 45%
Butterfly rash 42%
Sun or light sensitivity 30%
Hair loss 27%
Abnormal blood clotting problems 20%
Raynauds phenomenon 17%
Seizures 15%
Symptoms
 Who can get Lupus?

Lupus can affect anyone but some individuals are

more likely to have it than others. Lupus is sometimes
called a “women's disease” because even though men
have it, women are proven to have it more. It occurs in
female adults 10-15 times more than in adult males. Also
people of African, American Indian, and Asian descent
are more likely to get lupus.
 Lupus Statistics

1 out of every 1000 white people have lupus.

1 out of 250 African American women have lupus.

Occurs in female adults 10 to 15 times more than

adult males.

For every 9 women who have the disease 1 man has

it.
 Causes of Lupus
It is unknown what causes Lupus.
Environmental and genetic factors are involved though.
Some environmental factors are ultraviolet light,
extreme stress, certain drugs, and hormones.
Lupus is known to happen within families but
there is no known information on a gene that would
cause lupus. Some theories say that 4 to 6 genes must be
combined for a person to inherit a susceptibility to
lupus. Its possible that some are genetically
predisposed to develop lupus if they are exposed to the
right environmental triggers.
 Treatments
Lupus is incurable. The purpose of the treatments is to
reduce symptoms and reduce inflammation so there is no
damage to the organs.
• People who have photosensitivity should avoid sun
exposure and use sunscreen to prevent rashes.
• Regular exercise prevents muscle weakness and
exhaustion
• Medication can also be prescribed to control symptoms
of lupus.
 Medications for the treatment of Lupus.

•Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-used for muscle

and joint pain and arthritis.
•Acetaminophen-used for pain associated with lupus.
•Corticosteriods-reduce inflammation and suppress the
immune system
•Antimalarials-used for skin and joint symptoms of lupus.
•Immunomodulating drugs-reduces inflammation and
suppresses immune system
•anticoagulants-to thin blood and prevent it from clotting.
 Conclusion- Does genetics play a
role in the development of Lupus?
From my research I have found out genetics does
play a role in the development of lupus but it is not clear
cut as how much it does. It does factor into why people
develop lupus but it is rare to find a strong family
genetic connection. For example cases of lupus where
someone else has it in the family account for only 10%
of the lupus population. Another example would be that
in identical twins if one twin has it the other has more
than a 69% chance of developing it also. Since identical
twins have such a high chance then genetics does play a
part but not 100% because if it did the twins would
develop lupus 100% of the time because they have the
same exact genes.
 Bibliography

Petri,M (June 1998) Treatment of systemic lupus erthematous:

an update www.aafp.org/afp/980600ap/petri.html 13,April
2004
(2001) Lupus foundation of america, inc.. Www.lupus.org
12,April 2004
DeHoratius, R.J. (1999) Genetics and lupus
www.mtio.com/lupus/lal_4.htm 12,April 2004
Lupus treatments www.about-
health.info/lupus/lupus_treatments.htm 13,April 2004
systemic lupus erythematosus(sle or lupus)
www.medicinenet.com/systemic_lupus/page1.htm
15,april2004