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A New Free Report - What Is Lupus?
This fascinating new report from UK-based publishing house Health Research Today answers some of the most-asked questions about this baffling disease :
- What is the medical definition of lupus?
- What are the symptoms of lupus?
- What tests are there for lupus? How do you get a diagnosis?
Fill in this form and we will send you the report immediately, which you are welcome to send on to friends or family!
Lupus Triggers
This article is an extract from the ebook Freedom From Lupus!
Genetics
It is widely believed that lupus is caused by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Studies have been looking closely at the regions on chromosomes where lupus genes are located. Scientists are also trying to identify genes that contribute to lupus. However, genetics in general is very complex, and there are dozens of genes involved in lupus. It is likely that there is not one gene attached to lupus but that the genetic reasoning will change from person to person.
A new study by Dr. Timothy W. Behrens, M.D. at the University of Minnesota has identified a variant of a gene that is associated with lupus. While it may not be the direct cause for lupus, it does offer some insight into lupus and why it causes inflammation, tissue damage, and organ damage, and it is the first significant genetic association in lupus. The study found that 50 percent of all people have one copy of the gene variant and 25 percent have two copies. However, not all people who carry the gene variant develop lupus7.
Besides studies identifying genes, there are other studies trying to determine a genetic link in families. In the 1950s studies showed that a sibling of a lupus patient was 25 times more likely to develop the disease. In a 1992 study researchers observed 107 pairs of twins. At least one of the twins had lupus. Out of the 45 identical twin pairs studied, 24 percent of the pairs reported both twins having lupus. In the 62 fraternal twin pairs studied only 2 percent involved both twins having lupus. The study demonstrated that genes alone do not dictate lupus, because the identical twin rate was not 100 percent8.
Between 5 and 12 percent of relatives have a greater tendency of getting lupus if a family member has it, but the genetic factor does have some benefit for families. If one person in a family has lupus, diagnosis occurs much faster. Family members are more educated and know the signs of lupus. Also, understanding genetic factors will help in the development and use of effective treatments. As genes are continually being studied, more effective treatments can help in managing lupus.
Read the rest of this article in Freedom From Lupus!
© Health Research Today
