2970. Immune System 8)Systemic lupus erythematosus

8. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

It is far more common in women (affecting approximately nine women for every man) but men do get lupus. Most women are diagnosed with lupus during childbearing years, but for men the onset of symptoms may occur at any age including childhood.

During puberty, about 25 per cent of people diagnosed with lupus are young men, and in later years, about 20 to 40 per cent of the newly diagnosed lupus patients are men. There are an estimated number of about 5,000 men living with lupus in Canada. Systemic lupus in men can present similarly to lupus in women. This can include skin rashes, pleurisy, fatigue, neurological illnesses such as peripheral neuropathy (inflammation of the nerves in the arms and legs), joint pain, kidney disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), which is non-systemic, involves localized skin rashes (coin-shaped scaly lesions generally found on the scalp, face, cheeks and nose). DLE is usually painless, but for some may be quite painful. Patients with DLE may be very photosensitive, and need to limit their sun exposure to reduce lesions and possible scarring.

Drug-induced lupus (DILE) Drug-induced lupus is the result of certain medications that cause lupus symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, fever, arthritis and inflammation of the heart and lung. These symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. More men develop DILE than women, probably because more men seem to be prescribed medications that produce DILE. The most common drugs that result in drug-induced lupus include medications for heart disease, and high blood pressure. After discontinuing the medication, lupus symptoms gradually disappear, but this may take many days, months or longer to disappear.

Diagnosing men with lupus

In order to diagnose lupus there needs to be comprehensive history and physical examination and investigations, such as blood tests. The American College of Rheumatology for research purposes had identified 11 diagnostic criteria some of which pertain to findings in the skin, blood, joints and organs. The presence of at least four of the criteria indicates a diagnosis of SLE by this standard. However, it is possible for a rheumatologist to confirm an SLE diagnosis in some patients, even if the patient does not meet ACR research criteria. Common manifestations include rash, oral ulcers, and inflammatory arthritis. There are other organs that can be involved including the kidneys, lungs and brain.

Hormones and SLE It has long been thought that hormones may play a role in the prevalence of lupus in both men and women. Studies have found that:

1. Young men with lupus have been found to have normal levels of Testosterone (a male hormone), however there is some evidence that lower levels of testosterone in both young and older men may predispose these men to autoimmune-like diseases
2. There is no increase of estrogen (a female hormone) in men with lupus. More research is being done on the hormone androgen. It has been found that women with lupus metabolize androgen at a faster rate than women without lupus, and thus have a lower amount of this hormone in their body. This is of interest, as androgens have been shown to have some immunosuppressive properties. As well, researchers want to find out if androgens explain the lower number of men having lupus compared to women.

# Symptoms

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes called flares when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body
• Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
• Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dry eyes
• Headaches, confusion and memory loss

1. Platinum Turmeric

Traditional treatment options for SLE often involve the use of immunosuppressive drugs, which can have numerous side effects and may not be effective for all patients. In this context, the potential role of Platinum Turmeric, a natural compound derived from the turmeric plant, has emerged as a promising alternative. Turmeric has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its active ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin is known to inhibit various inflammatory pathways and has been shown to modulate the immune system in preclinical studies. Additionally, curcumin has been found to have a protective effect on the kidneys, which are commonly affected in SLE. The use of Platinum Turmeric in SLE patients is still an area of ongoing research, but preliminary studies have shown promising results. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology demonstrated that curcumin supplementation reduced disease activity and improved quality of life in SLE patients. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that curcumin inhibited the production of autoantibodies, which play a key role in the development of SLE. These findings suggest that Platinum Turmeric could potentially be used as an adjunct therapy in SLE, either alone or in combination with traditional treatment options.

Our Platinum Turmeric blend contains various forms of turmeric, glucosamine, Boswellia extract (frankincense), piperine, and several other highly beneficial natural extracts to keep you at your best. 

Natural extracts have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to remedy illnesses. We harness and advance these natural extracts in modern times for optimal bioavailability and effectiveness.

Ingredients: see Supplement Facts.

Manufacturer Country: USA

Product Amount: 60 caps

Gross Weight: 0.25lb (113g)

Suggested Use: Take two (2) capsules once a day as a dietary supplement. For best results, take 20-30 min before a meal or as directed by your healthcare professional.

2. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a hormone-like substance that is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight or obtained from dietary sources. It is well-known for its crucial role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, helping maintain bone health. However, recent studies have shown that Vitamin D3 also possesses immunomodulatory properties, meaning it can regulate the immune system's response. In the context of SLE, where the immune system is dysregulated, Vitamin D3 has shown promise in reducing disease activity and improving overall outcomes. Several mechanisms explain the potential benefits of Vitamin D3 in SLE. Firstly, it has been found to suppress the production of autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and tissue damage. Additionally, Vitamin D3 facilitates the development and function of regulatory T cells, which help control the immune response and prevent excessive inflammation. Moreover, Vitamin D3 has been shown to have a positive impact on the kidneys, a commonly affected organ in SLE, by reducing proteinuria and maintaining renal function.

Ingredients: see Supplement Facts.

Manufacturer Country: USA

Product Amount: 100 soft-gels

Gross Weight: 0.1lb (45g) 

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) soft-gel capsule daily or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

3. CoQ10

CoQ10 Ubiquinone is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of the body and plays a crucial role in energy production. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that individuals with SLE often have reduced levels of CoQ10, leading to speculation that supplementation could be beneficial. Preliminary research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with SLE, such as fatigue, muscle pain, and joint inflammation. Additionally, it has been proposed that CoQ10 may have immunomodulatory effects, helping to regulate the overactive immune response seen in SLE.

Ingredients: see Supplement Facts.

Manufacturer Country: USA

Product Amount: 30 caps

Gross Weight: 0.25lb (113g)

Suggested Use: Take one (1) capsule twice a day as a dietary supplement. For best results, take 20-30 min before a meal or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the safety seal is damaged or missing. Store in a cool, dry place.

The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.