Developments in New Lupus Immunotherapy

The results from a study on dendritic cells or DCs as targets for treatment shows promise in the area of immunotherapy for patients who suffer from SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus).

A study published in Immunology showed that DCs that originated from monocytes taken from both SLE patients and donors who were in good health, and then treated with RGZ and DEXA, exemplified immunosuppressive qualities. This can be quite a game-changer for treatment considering that this discovery can lead to ways of redirecting the body’s immune response to where relief—and even longevity—can become a possible reality.

Sleep apnea is known to affect more than millions of people around the globe due to varied factors. An individual suffering from sleep apnea and not getting it treated on a timely manner can also suffer from other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression or abnormal rhythm of the heart. The medical term of sleep apnea is basically an umbrella but actually it consists of three varied forms of sleep apnea wherein few of the symptoms differ as well as the method of treatment.

• One of the most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. This is known to be the mildest form but it still carries risk. When the muscles of the throat as well as the tongue relax while you sleep at time then it can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. It can also cause due to an extra-large tonsil which tends to press on the airway and narrowing it when the individual lies down. It mostly occurs in the individual whey they are lying on the back, are obese or consume alcohol or certain medications. Age can also lead to be a factor.
• Central sleep apnea is known to be caused by the brain wherein the signals are not sent out properly to the various muscles which control the function of breathing. The brain does not send the required signals to the diaphragm informing them to contract as well as expand so that it can lead to the muscles which control breathing are not aware of what has to be done hence leading to the individual to suddenly stop breathing. In simple words the body forgets on how to breath at that time. Due to shortness of breath the individual may wake up all of a sudden or they may have trouble falling asleep. Age is considered to be one factor, also those suffering from congestive heart failure or those suffered a brain stem stroke are also at risk. Using narcotic medications just before going to bed can also lead to this issue.
• Complex sleep apnea is basically a combination of obstruction sleep apnea and central sleep apnea in the individual. This is known to mostly occur when the individual has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and has been treated as well for it. The problem out here is that the patient has been suffering from both obstructive as well as central but since the obstructive symptoms are quiet obvious the symptoms of complex do not show up until the doctor completes treatment for obstructive one. It can be due to genetic predisposition.

When it comes to treatment for sleep apnea, then there are no standard forms of treatment however the best methods so far have been CPAP machine which is set to the lowest setting which would allow for the opening of the airways that tend to close in case of obstructive sleep apnea for getting enough of air while sleeping. BPAP which is similar to CPAP are another method for treating sleep apnea.