Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, attacks 1.5 million people in the United States. RA and lupus are autoimmune diseases. Both diseases involve poor immune system function and regulation. This dysfunction leads to inflammation, which destroys tissue cells and limits quality of life. Both RA and lupus can cause severe impairment.
Rheumatoid arthritis doctors don't fully understand what causes RA, but they know an abnormal response of the immune system leads to inflammation and joint damage. Genes, hormones, and environmental factors contribute to the progression of RA. First, infectious bacteria or viruses may lead to the onset of RA. Second, the body's response to emotional or physical distress can also activate RA. Additionally, 70 percent of all RA patients are women. Finally, second-hand cigarette smoke, insecticides, and pollutants are also sometimes associated with the development of RA.
The Human HLA, plays a role in RA. The HLA releases proteins, which attack foreign bodies, viruses, and bacteria. The HLA system distinguishes the body's healthy proteins from invading disease particles. This system fails in most, but not all. of RA patients. Others genes with a role in active RA are:
The STAT4 gene is involved in the regulation and activation of the immune system. The TRAF1 and C5 genes play a role in chronic inflammation. PTPN22 is a gene which is active in the onset and development of RA.
Lupus is also a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system. The immune system attacks the body's blood, skin, lungs, and joints. Lupus is fatal when it attacks the heart, kidneys, and brain. RA and lupus are hard to diagnose, but lupus is an entirely different disease from rheumatoid arthritis. Like RA, environmental factors can also cause lupus. Lupus is usually distinguishable by a facial rash. There is no cure for lupus, but its symptoms can be managed.
Cytokines in the immune system activate the rheumatoid arthritis lupus STAT4 gene The STAT4 gene produces a protein which binds DNA and transcribes other genes. The STAT4 protein initiates the inflammatory response of the immune system to fight infection. When activated, the STAT4 protein helps T-cells of the immune system to specialize and rid the body of pathogens.
Unfortunately, lupus can be mild and temporary or severe and life-threatening. Lupus and RA usually have flares and episodes of remission. Other genes involved in the expression of variations of lupus include:
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