Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, investigations, treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mediated by autoantibodies and immune complexes which target nearly every organ in the body. SLE is a chronic multi-system disorder that most commonly affects women during their reproductive years. The pathophysiology of SLE involve injury to the bodies own cells leading damaged cell proteins and DNA. Injured cells can subsequently lead to organ injury. The pathophysiology of SLE is thought to involve an interplay between genetics (monozygotic twins and epigenetics), immunology factors, hormonal factors such as oestrogen and environmental factors. Environment factors is thought to be the initial trigger for SLE. These environmental factors include UV light, infections (such as EBV),smoking and even potentially certain drugs that increases oxidative stress and leads to damaged cells. Important to note these environmental risk factors are agents which humans are commonly exposed to, suggesting that people who develop SLE has to have some sort of genetic susceptibility.

Video by: Armando Hasudungan