Systemic lupus erythematosus

Definition

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. SLE is considered a disease associated with depressed or overactive immune responses, as the immune system becomes hyperactive and loses the ability to differentiate between self and foreign substances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SLE can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
2. The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
3. Common symptoms of SLE include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, fever, and organ damage, which can vary in severity and frequency.
4. Diagnosis of SLE involves a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests for autoantibodies, and sometimes, tissue biopsies.
5. Treatment for SLE aims to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent flare-ups, often involving a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.

Review Questions

• Explain how the immune system's dysfunction contributes to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the immune system loses the ability to distinguish between the body's own healthy cells and foreign substances. This leads to the production of autoantibodies that target the body's own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and tissue damage. The immune system becomes hyperactive, attacking its own healthy cells and components, which is a key characteristic of the overactive immune responses associated with SLE.
• Describe the multisystemic nature of systemic lupus erythematosus and the potential impact on various organs and body systems.
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disorder, meaning it can affect multiple organs and body systems. The autoimmune response in SLE can target various tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other vital organs. This widespread involvement can lead to a diverse range of symptoms, such as skin rashes, joint pain, fever, fatigue, and organ dysfunction. The multisystemic nature of SLE underscores the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation and monitoring to manage the complex and potentially debilitating effects of this autoimmune condition.
• Analyze the role of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors in the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • The etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as certain genetic variants can increase the risk of developing SLE. Environmental triggers, such as viral infections, ultraviolet light exposure, and certain medications, can also contribute to the onset and exacerbation of the disease. Additionally, hormonal factors, particularly the influence of estrogen, have been implicated in the higher prevalence of SLE among women. The intricate balance and interactions between these various factors ultimately determine an individual's susceptibility to and the course of this autoimmune disorder.

Related terms

Autoimmune disorder: A condition in which the body's immune system attacks and damages its own healthy cells, tissues, and organs.

Inflammation:

The body's protective response to injury, infection, or irritation, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Antinuclear antibodies: Antibodies produced by the immune system that target the body's own nuclear material, a hallmark of autoimmune diseases like SLE.