INTRODUCTION
Research Question
To what extent is genetics responsible for causing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Foreword
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease wherein the immune system mistakes healthy cells as intruders and attacks them. These attacks could happen in various parts of the body. It is most commonly known as the ‘great imitator ‘as its signs and symptoms imitate that of other diseases. Lupus differs from each patient and symptoms oscillate from time to time. This makes it hard for physicians to diagnose the patient. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, skin rashes, joint pains and sensitivity to sunlight. Organ complications are problems that lupus patients have to endure, with most experiencing problems
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The first two examples and exposure to silica dust are most usually quoted to activate and cause flares for Lupus patients, but still further research has to be made to qualify these factors. Another probable cause of the disease are hormones. Estrogen is produced by both biological sexes but it is the female population that has an abundance of it. Researchers have investigated this for years as this hormone could be the possible explanation as to why women are more susceptible to the disease compared to …show more content…
Lupus Nephritis is diagnosed to a patient in which Lupus largely affects the kidneys. This could be physically visible in the form of blood in the urine as an example, and other symptoms related to that of other kidney diseases. Lupus Nephritis has six stages: Class I – Class VI. The higher the class the more severe the implications of the disease are. Class I is the minimal mesangial lupus nephritis and for patients who are classified under this usually are in remission. The worst class, Class VI (Advanced sclerosis lupus nephritis) is embodied by a gradual progressive kidney dysfunction. This complication is the one most scientists use for research as this affects the majority of Lupus patients. Other complications could include organs such as lungs, brain, intestines, and