Lupus erythematosus: a short account
Feller, L.; Motswaledi, M.H.; Chandran, R.; Chikte, U.M.E.; Meyerov, R.; Lemmer, J.
Sadj Journal of the South African Dental Association 66(5): 234-236
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1029-4864 PMID: 23193865 Document Number: 649786
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease with diverse clinical manifestations including arthritis, skin disorders and kidney disease. Pathologically it is characterised by complex interactions between multiple genetic, epigenetic and extraneous factors; and serologically by the presence of a variety of antibodies which are reactive to intracellular molecular constituents. Impaired clearance of apoptotic cells and of immune complexes, loss of immune tolerance to self-antigens and dysregulation of the cytokine network act synergistically with extraneous factors such as ultraviolet radiation, viruses and certain drugs to induce and sustain lupus erythematosus.