Associated Disorders with Lupus
There are numerous disorders that have been found to be associated with lupus, according to research. These include autoimmune hepatitis, biliary cirrhosis, Grave’s disease, and even a previous history of gum disease. Additionally, more than half of individuals with lupus experience anemia, which typically manifests before the onset of symptoms.
Gender and Lupus
When it comes to lupus, gender plays a significant role. Women are affected by this autoimmune disease more frequently than men, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all cases. The reason behind this disparity is still being studied, but scientists have identified a few potential factors.
One possible explanation is the hormone estrogen, which is more prevalent in women. Estrogen is thought to influence the development and progression of lupus. Additionally, researchers have found a connection between lupus and the X chromosome. Women are born with two X chromosomes, which may lead to more active genes associated with the X chromosome, such as TLR7.
Interestingly, women with lupus who have these active genes on both of their X chromosomes tend to experience more severe symptoms compared to those who do not. On the other hand, men with Klinefelter’s syndrome, a condition characterized by two X chromosomes and a Y chromosome, are 14 times more likely to develop lupus compared to other men.
Another chromosomal factor is trisomy X, where women have three X chromosomes. Women with trisomy X are two and a half times more likely to develop lupus compared to those with two X chromosomes.
These findings highlight how gender and genetics can influence the risk and severity of lupus, providing valuable insights for further research and potential treatment strategies.