Robert G. Lahita

Systemic lupus erythematosus: learning disability in the male offspring of female patients and relationship to laterality

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic disease that predominates in women during the childbearing years. One system frequently affected is the central nervous system. Seizures and psychoses are criteria useful in the diagnosis of SLE. The effects of this disease on disorders of learning and handedness in both patients and first degree relatives are the subject of the present report. Dyslexia and other disorders of learning were present in 45% (24/55) of male offspring of female SLE patients. Ten percent of male siblings of female SLE patients were learning-impaired. Dyslexia and other disorders of learning are also common in women with SLE (dyslexia 12.5%) and men with SLE where the proband is one of two or more cases of SLE in the same family (dyslexia 27.6%). Tests for handedness in the lupus population indicated that there were slightly more patients (mostly women) (p = 0.08) who were lefthanded by the Oldfield laterality test compared to normal volunteers. Handedness did not correlate with the degree of dyslexia in either the patients or their first degree relatives.

Concentration of 16α-hydroxyestrone in human plasma as measured by a specific ria

Abstract Rabbits were immunized with 3,6α,16α-trihydroxyestra-1,3,5(trien)-17-one 6-hemisuccinate-BSA adduct. The antisera obtained were characterized by high specificity and affinity for 16α-hydroxyestrone, an estradiol metabolite with distinct biological properties. Radioimmunoassay of this substance in human plasma revealed that it was present in low but potentially biologically significant concentrations in normal men and women, averaging 10 pg/ml in the former and 6–15 pg/ml in the latter.

The influence of sex hormones on the disease systemic lupus erythematosus

It is clear that many factors influence the development and course of the disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. Among them, are the genetic background and sex of the individual. In this chapter we will endeavor to explore the subject of sex and the metabolism of sex hormones as predisposing factors to the rheumatic diseases, among them, systemic lupus erythematosus. It is known that the disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affects approximately nine to ten females for every male after pubescence. Prior to pubescence, the ratio is much lower affecting three young females to every young male, and after the menopause, the ratio of males to females is likely to be 1:1 [12]. This sexual selection exists for reasons that are unclear. There has been continued investigation and interest in the area of sex hormone metabolism in humans, and a great deal of preliminary work centered about animal systems such as the mouse and the dog. None of these experimental models, however, has succeeded in explaining the reasons for the high prevalence of SLE among humans. This brief overview will consider all the present knowledge surrounding sex hormones and their implications for the development, morbidity, and mortali ty of SLE.

Serological Studies of Antibodies Reactive with RNA and RNA-Protein Antigens

Antibodies reactive with nuclear and cytoplasmic ribonucleoproteins and with RNA have received increasing attention as a result of the detection of antibodies which are helpful for the identification of subpopulations of patients with rheumatoid disease. In contrast to the DNA and DNA–protein systems, relatively little is known about the pathogenetic role of these antibodies in the induction of tissue injury. The development of sensitive and reproducible assays for these antibodies should enhance understanding of this potentially important system. The major antibodies which have been identified and the primary techniques utilized for their demonstration are indicated in Table 1. Immunological evaluation of these antibodies has been complicated by the lack of a standardized nomenclature similar to that in usage for antibodies reactive with DNA and DNA–protein antigens. Difficulties inherent in the preparation of purified antigens which are stable and resistant to serum and tissue ribonucleases have further complicated attempts to define antibodies associated with RNA antigens. Each of the major antibodies will be reviewed with respect to method of assay, clinical correlation, and potential pathogenetic importance in rheumatoid disease.

Brain protein kinase in synaptic vesicles is inhibited by a factor in sera from systemic lupus erythematosus patients with central nervous system manifestations

Sera from systemic lupus erythematosus patients with clinical central nervous system manifestations had a high mean percent of brain synaptic vesicle protein kinase inhibition (62 +/- 9.3, P less than 0.001). This conclusion was derived from screening sera of a total of 287 patients with heterogeneous diseases and from 12 healthy controls. Low levels of synaptic vesicle protein kinase inhibition also were detected in the sera of patients with certain autoimmune, inflammatory, neurological and/or psychiatric symptoms. Because 87.5% of the patients whose sera showed strong synaptic vesicle protein kinase inhibition (over 50%) had neuropsychiatric manifestations, we postulate this relationship may be due to the presence of an inhibitor factor, of which the etiology and molecular characteristics were investigated.

Role of Sex Steroids in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Abstract Sex Steroids are important to the pathogenesis of SLE, a disease which affects females in preference to males (13:1). Abnormalities of estrogen metabolism and androgen metabolism in the human have been described. Increased 16 hydroxylation of estrone has been found in males and females, whereas increased oxidation of testosterone (C-17) has been found only in females with the disease. Females with SLE have low plasma androgens. Patients with active disease have the lowest levels. The compound 16 alpha hydroxyestrone, a unique and potent estrogen, has been shown to bind covalently to plasma proteins and cell membranes. This compound is a product of 16 hydroxylation, and may be important to the pathogenesis of SLE.