Alternative Therapy Sparks Hope for Patients with Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disorder that ultimately results in organ damage and has been shown to mostly affect women who are of childbearing age. It is characterized by flares and remission, but the hallmark of the SLE disease is the B cells dysregulation. While there is currently no cure for lupus, many treatment options have been developed. The majority of these treatments feature nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs termed NSAIDS. Hydroxychloroquine and other immunosuppressives such as Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), Phosphodiesterase (CYC) and Azathiprine (AZA) are also widely used, however, some patients have low tolerances or do not respond well to these treatments and as a result, the need for more efficacious treatments with lesser toxic side effects.

Significant progress has been made on some newer and more recently developed drugs, and several novel B-cell modulating agents have been experimented but only a handful show promising results, an example of which is Rituxan. Rituxan (Rituximab) is a fairly-recent health treatment option that is used to reduce the prevalence and advancement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The treatment which is part of the recommendation of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) features in a 2-step approach for the management of severe inflammatory Neuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) with the use of intravenous corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide to control inflammations and curtail irreversible damages.

Rituxan, a chimeric anti-CD20, has shown significant achievements in the depletion of B-cells. B-cells are a type of white blood cells, or rather lymphocytes, that may mature into plasma, and produce antibodies needed to fight off infections or into memory B cells. Rituxan is used as a successful second-line solution for patients with refractory and relapsing NPSLE symptoms and works by decreasing the body’s production of pro-inflammatory molecules and inhibition of immune responses in the body. The repopulation of B-cells after treatment with the Rituximab is categorized by an upsurge in the number of transitional B cells and peripheral nerves.  

The experiences of lupus vary from person to person, and while some patients may only experience mild symptoms, others are plagued with more severe manifestations. The symptoms of lupus can begin as early as childhood, but the age in diagnosis can vary because of the disease's wide range of symptoms. Generally, lupus is evident in victims by a concurrent experience of some symptoms followed by a silent or non-evident period. These characteristics make it difficult to diagnose the early symptoms, coupled with the fact that the symptoms usually resemble those of other conditions.

Some symptoms of lupus include fatigue, fever, hair loss, kidney complications, gastrointestinal issues, thyroid problems, swollen joints, dry eyes and mouth, and rashes. The most distinctive sign, however, that is the most common among lupus patients is a facial rash that unfolds across both cheeks, which could look like butterfly wings. There is no understanding of how lupus is triggered. Some victims are born with a tendency to develop the condition, while others are triggered by infections, drugs or even exposure to sunlight and as such, it can be linked to genetic, hormonal and environmental factors.