Lupus adn Lupus Nephritis may Represent a single, Overlapping Disease Spectrum
WASHINGTON – New research suggests lupus and lupus nephritis, a kidney inflammation caused by lupus, may not be distinct conditions but rather exist as part of a continuous spectrum of disease, potentially reshaping diagnostic and treatment approaches. The findings, presented at a recent medical conference, highlight shared genetic and immunological features between the two conditions, prompting a re-evaluation of their customary separation.
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects an estimated 500,000 Americans, disproportionately impacting women of childbearing age and individuals of African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native american descent. Lupus nephritis develops in up to 60% of lupus patients, significantly increasing their risk of kidney failure and requiring aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Understanding whether these are truly separate diseases or variations of the same underlying pathology is crucial for developing more targeted and effective therapies, and improving patient outcomes.
The research team identified overlapping genetic markers and immune system abnormalities in individuals diagnosed with either lupus or lupus nephritis. This suggests a shared disease process, with variations in presentation and organ involvement determining the specific diagnosis. “We’re beginning to see that the distinction between lupus and lupus nephritis may be less clear-cut than previously thought,” a researcher involved in the study stated.
The study’s principal investigator, Merrill, has disclosed financial ties to numerous pharmaceutical companies including AbbVie, Amgen, astrazeneca, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, EMD Serono, Genentech, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Ono, RemeGen, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB and Zenas, through speaking fees, research support, and consulting arrangements.
researchers anticipate that further investigation will refine the understanding of this spectrum, potentially leading to personalized treatment strategies based on an individual’s specific immunological profile, rather than a broad diagnosis of lupus or lupus nephritis. This could involve tailoring immunosuppressive regimens or exploring novel therapies targeting shared disease pathways.
