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.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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.

Genetics

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:

• STAT4
• TRAF1
• C5
• PTPN22

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.

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Turn Into Lupus?

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.

STAT4 Genes

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:

• CPQB
• TNFSF4
• CR2
• DNASEIL3
• BANK1
• PXK
• FOXJ1
• SNRPE
• FCGR2B

Top 5 Routes for "Rheumatoid Arthritis"

1. National Institutes of Health: Accelerating Medicines Partnership: Autoimmune Diseases of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus This website discuses research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 10 biopharmaceutical companies, and non-profit organizations transforming diagnostics and treatments for RA and lupus.
2. Mayo Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis This website defines rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms, causes, and complications. The Mayo Clinic website also explains how RA is diagnosed and treated, and it suggests home remedies for RA.
3. Mayo Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Lupus This website describes lupus and its symptoms, causes, and complications. The Mayo Clinic website explains how Lupus is diagnosed and treated, and it suggests holistic treatments for lupus.
4. Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis This website explains the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation teaches arthritis patients by providing information, resources, access to care, and advancements in arthritis research.
5. Lupus Foundation This website explains lupus, its causes, and its treatment. It accepts donations and reports on the latest research into the prevention, causes, and treatment of lupus.