systemic lupus erythematosus
Quick Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This occurs when autoantibodies, particularly antinuclear antibodies, are produced against the body's cellular components, such as nucleic acids and proteins within cell nuclei. These autoantibodies form immune complexes that deposit in various organs, leading to inflammation and damage.123
SLE can affect multiple organ systems, commonly impacting the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Symptoms vary widely among individuals and can include fever, fatigue, skin rashes (often butterfly-shaped on the face), joint pain, and inflammation of internal organs. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic predisposition, environmental triggers like infections or UV light, and hormonal factors are believed to play a role.12
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- autoimmunity
Systemic lupus erythematosus, for example, is characterized by inflammation of the skin, joints, and kidneys, among other organs.
Read MoreSystemic lupus erythematosus, for example, is characterized by inflammation of the skin, joints, and kidneys, among other organs.
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immune system disorderSystemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a syndrome characterized by organ damage that results from the deposition of immune complexes. The immune complexes form when autoantibodies are made against the nucleic acids and protein constituents of the nucleus of cells. Such autoantibodies, called…
Read MoreSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a syndrome characterized by organ damage that results from the deposition of immune complexes. The immune complexes form when autoantibodies are made against the nucleic acids and protein constituents of the nucleus of cells. Such autoantibodies, called…
Read More
skin diseaseConnective tissuesThese diseases, which include systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, and systemic sclerosis, are characterized by the involvement of more than one organ or system, the presence in the serum of immunoglobulin autoantibodies that react with human tissue or organ components, and inflammatory damage to blood vessels of the…
Read MoreThese diseases, which include systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, and systemic sclerosis, are characterized by the involvement of more than one organ or system, the presence in the serum of immunoglobulin autoantibodies that react with human tissue or organ components, and inflammatory damage to blood vessels of the…
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joint diseaseCollagen diseasesOne of these diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may affect any structure or organ of the body. An association with rheumatoid arthritis is suggested by the fact that one-quarter of those with SLE have positive serological tests for rheumatoid factor, and perhaps as many patients with rheumatoid arthritis have…
Read MoreOne of these diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may affect any structure or organ of the body. An association with rheumatoid arthritis is suggested by the fact that one-quarter of those with SLE have positive serological tests for rheumatoid factor, and perhaps as many patients with rheumatoid arthritis have…
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