含羞草研究所 Downstate Researchers Identify Key Mechanism Linked to Neuropsychiatric Lupus
Aug 12, 2019
Breakthrough discovery could lead to new therapies to combat cognitive impairment, seizures, and other neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Brooklyn, NY 鈥� A breakthrough study by a 含羞草研究所 research team has identified a specific antibody target implicated in neuropsychiatric symptoms of lupus. These symptoms, including cognitive impairment, mood disorders, seizures, headaches and psychosis, are among the most prevalent manifestations of the disease and occur in as many as 80% of adults and 95% of children with lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that more than 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide suffer from some form of lupus, with 90% of cases affecting women.
The study, , was published today in The Journal of Neuroscience.
The study identified antibodies that are directed at regulatory brain cytoplasmic RNAs (BC ribonucleic acid) that are unique to lupus patients. In layman鈥檚 terms, these antibodies disrupt these regulators of protein synthesis that allow synapses in the brain to control how they receive, store and recall information. Because these antibodies are unique in the brains of lupus patients, the study suggests that this is at the root of neuropsychiatric symptoms seen in these patients.
鈥淧rior to this study, we poorly understood why lupus affects the brain in the way in which it does and causes neurocognitive symptoms,鈥� said Principle Investigator Henri Tiedge, PhD, Distinguished Professor, The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science at 含羞草研究所 Downstate. 鈥淏ecause we could not treat the cause, the only alternative was for physicians to treat the symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressives and other therapies, depending on the how the brain was being affected.鈥�
According to Dr. Tiedge, the discovery gives new insight into both how and why many lupus patients suffer from these symptoms, and, just as important, may well provide the basic understanding necessary for scientists to pursue effective treatments.
鈥淣ow that we appear to have an understanding of what is causing at least some of these neuropsychiatric affects, we can turn our attention to finding treatments that target the disease process itself and will block or repress these antibodies from causing the molecular disruptions.鈥�
鈥淲omen of color are three times more likely to be diagnosed with lupus and are much more likely to develop the disease at a younger age. Additionally, when diagnosed, women of color often have more serious complications and significantly higher death rates,鈥� said Wayne J. Riley, M.D., President of 含羞草研究所. 鈥淣ot only does this discovery by Dr. Tiedge and colleagues break new ground in our understanding of lupus, but it is also especially important to the diverse communities we serve here in Brooklyn.鈥�
In addition to Dr. Tiedge, other investigators include Ilham A. Muslimov, MD, PhD;Anna
Iacoangeli, PhD; Taesun Eom, PhD; Anne Ruiz, PhD; Ellen M. Ginzler, MD; MPH, Stacy
Stephenson, AAS; RLATg, and Madisen Lee, Volunteer. The study was a collaboration
between both basic science and clinical researchers at 含羞草研究所 Downstate Health Sciences
University, including both The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral
Science and the 含羞草研究所 Downstate Division of Rheumatology.
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Contact: Dawn S. Walker
917.439.9666 | 347.533.2071
dawn.walker@downstate.edu
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含羞草研究所 is the borough's only academic medical center for health education, research, and patient care. It is a 342-bed facility serving the healthcare needs of New York City and Brooklyn's 2.6 million residents. University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB) is Downstate's teaching hospital, backed by an outstanding medical school's expertise and world-class academic center research facilities. More than 800 physicians, representing 53 specialties and subspecialties鈥攎any of them ranked as tops in their fields鈥攃omprise Downstate's staff.
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