Changes in White Blood Cell Levels in Lupus may Show Condition's Development

A recent study offers some valuable information on how systemic lupus erythematosus develops and could possibly lead to new avenues of research. For the first time, researchers have been able to observe the alterations in the count and activity of white blood cells and how they relate to the development of SLE.

The study, which was conducted in China, produced several valuable inputs on how SLE develops, and this could lead to new avenues of research in the field. Researchers have been able to identify the alterations in the count and activity of white blood cells and how these relate to SLE development. SLE is essentially an autoimmune disease that is known to impact the tendons, ligaments, and skin, as well as a few other parts of the body. It causes the body’s immune system, which usually fights against infection and illness, to actually turn against and attack its own healthy tissues. This then leads to the gradual breakdown of the tissues.

The main goal of the study was to examine the alterations that occur in the white blood cell levels of those with SLE and how they contribute to the development of lupus. The white blood cells present in the body play a vital role in the immune system when it comes to fighting off infections. The monocytes, which are the largest form of white blood cell, help to keep fungi, bacteria, and viruses at bay. They can be emitted from one’s bone marrow into the blood and tissues, and act as the first line of defense against invading germs. The results of the study revealed hardly any difference in the level of CD-16 positive monocytes present in those suffering from lupus versus the control group. However, the total levels of monocytes in general as well as the CD-16 negatives were observed to be very high in the SLE patients compared to their healthy counterparts. Another important finding identified by the scientists was that the CD-16 negative percentage as well as the total monocytes were very distinct in those suffering from lupus as well as in those who had inactive lupus. They noted a higher number of C-16 monocytes along with the total amount of monocytes in the participants with lupus nephritis compared to the control group. But, again, there were no variations in the level of monocyte subgroups, which were possibly thought to be able to help distinguish between SLE patients with or without lupus nephritis. In effect, this would mean that not all of the various types of monocytes could be taken as reliable markers when conducting a lupus nephritis diagnosis.

This discovery could portray the role of white blood cells during the onset as well as in the development of this lupus condition. It is also anticipated that this newfound information will help advance further research of the disease, which is encouraging news for those struggling with lupus.