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Contact Us
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40 Speen Street,
Suite 205
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 872-5200
Fax: (508) 872-0060
toll free:
1-877-NO LUPUS
info@lupusne.org |
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Quick
Index
What is Lupus
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Cause
Treatments
Cause
Lupus is a complex disease whose cause is unknown. It
is likely that a combination of genetic, environmental,
and possibly hormonal factors work together to cause the
disease. The exact cause may differ from one person to
another. Research suggests that genetics plays an important
role; however, no specific "lupus gene" has
been identified. Instead, it appears that several genes
may increase a person's susceptibility to the disease.
In lupus, the body's immune system does not work as it
should. A healthy immune system produces antibodies, which
are special proteins that help fight and destroy viruses,
bacteria, and other foreign substances that invade the
body. In lupus, the immune system produces antibodies
against the body's healthy cells and tissues. These antibodies,
called autoantibodies, contribute to the inflammation
of various parts of the body, causing swelling, redness,
heat and pain. In addition, some autoantibodies join with
substances from the body's own cells or tissues to form
molecules called immune complexes. A buildup of these
immune complexes in the body also contributes to inflammation
and tissue injury in people with lupus. more
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