Title/Topic:

Ethnicity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): its influence on susceptibility and

outcomes

Research Findings

Both the genetic and non-genetic components of ethnicity exert influence in the expression
and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including disease activity, damage
accrual, work disability and mortality. Although it is difficult to determine the extent to
which the differences observed in these parameters are caused by genetic or non-genetic
factors, early in the disease genetic factors seem to play a more important role as
determinants of the differences observed between SLE patients from various ethnic groups.

Conclusion

Over the course of the disease, non-genetic factors seem to play a more important role. By
and large, SLE is more frequent and more severe with higher disease activity and more
damage accrual in non-Caucasian populations (Hispanics, African descendants and Asians)
than in Caucasians. To overcome these differences, it is necessary to optimize health care
access to disadvantaged populations and use innovative tools to increase disease
awareness and improve treatment adherence.

Analysis

Ethnicity is a biological and a social construct which encompasses ancestral genes, cultural,
geographic and socioeconomic characteristics shared within a population. It is clear that no
homogeneous racial groups exist within the human race as demonstrated when examining
ancestry informative markers. 

References:

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Sanchez, E, Rasmussen, A, Riba, L. (2012). Impact of genetic ancestry and socioeconomic

status on the clinical expression of systemic lupus erythematosus in American Indian-
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Tan, TC, Fang, H, Magder, LS. (2012). Differences between Male and Female Systemic Lupus
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