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Surge in LRI Biomarker Research Signals New Hope for Diagnosing and Managing Lupus
In its commitment to staying open to powerful
new ideas in lupus research, the Lupus
Research Institute has reaped a remarkable
reward for the more than 1.5 million
Americans and millions more worldwide with
this devastating disease--a panel of candidate
biomarkers that may have the potential to
change the way that lupus affects their
lives.
Biomarkers, in many cases simple blood or
urine tests, could drastically minimize the
guesswork in diagnosing and treating lupus.
Biomarkers provide tools with which to peer
into the immune system and witness the
earliest indications of problems.
In just 6 years, the LRI has invested $6
million in novel studies that are now
generating findings on 20 potential lupus
biomarkers. More
»
LRI Leads the Lupus Biomarker Search
LRI-funded researchers Maureen McMahon, MD,
and Bevra Hahn, MD, have found large amounts
of damaging "pro-inflammatory" (piHDL)
versions of the normally "good" HDL
cholesterol in people with lupus that might
explain the predisposition to atherosclerosis
and help identify those at risk for heart
disease. In one study (above), nearly 45% of
people with lupus had the damaging piHDL as
compared to 20% of people with RA (rheumatoid
arthritis) and 4% of healthy controls. Read
more about this and other promising
biomarkers »
LRI researchers
across the
country are on a
quest for biomarkers to answer many of the
questions that plague people with lupus:
+ "Am I likely to get lupus? Will I
probably have mild or severe disease?"
LRI-Funded
Researchers Discover Potential Biomarkers of
Risk and Flare »
+ "Are my kidneys all right?"
LRI-Funded
Researchers Discover Possible Kidney
Biomarkers »
+ "How is my heart?"
LRI-Funded
Researchers Discover Possible Cardiovascular
Biomarkers »
Want
answers?
Get the full story here »
LRI to Sponsor Session on Biomarkers
At 8th International Conference on Lupus
in Shanghai, China
May 23rd-27th
The Lupus Research Institute will join
prominent lupus clinicians, researchers and
advocates from around the world at the 8th
International Congress on SLE in Shanghai
this May. The Congress, held every three
years, is a global summit for leading
specialists in the field of systemic lupus
erythematosus, as well as basic researchers
and clinical experts of different specialties.
More
on the Lupus Research Institute's key
biomarkers session »
Applications for 2007 LRI Grants Due May 15th
Novel Research Grants provide select
scientists with $300,000 over 3 years to
pursue truly innovative
research with potential to prevent, treat,
and cure
lupus. This will be the sixth
year that the Institute has awarded Novel
Research
Grants since its founding in 2000. More
»
Instructions
for Submitting Applications »
LRI National Coalition Comes Together for Advocacy Day
In D.C. to Sound the Patient Voice for Lupus Research and New Treatments
The LRI's National Coalition of state and
local lupus organizations converged on
Capitol Hill on April 25th to voice the need
for increased
funding for the NIH and the Trans-Institute
5-Year Lupus Plan, reducing health
disparities, and improving the clinical
trials process. Nearly 60 advocates from 20
states met with staff from 42 Senate offices
and 108 House of Representative offices.
On behalf of the lupus
community, the LRI congratulates all who made
their voices heard on Advocacy Day!
Hundreds Learn About Twin Threat of Lupus and Cardiovascular Disease on 5-City Tour Sponsored by the LRI
Co-presented by the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC)
More than 400 physicians from New York,
Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and
Detroit took part in Lupus and
Cardiovascular
Disease educational programming (for
Continuing Medical Education credit) this
past March and April.
The first-of-a-kind series was designed to
alert primary care providers, cardiologists
and rheumatologists of the potent dangers of
cardiovascular disease in people with
lupus--particularly in young women and African
American women. Continue
reading and view pictures from the events »
2nd Annual Shady Ladies Luncheon Reflects Hope for
Lupus Research
March 10th Event Raises More Than $80,000
The more than 150 guests gathered at the Palm
Beach Polo Equestrian Club for the 2nd Annual
"Shady Ladies Luncheon" not only enjoyed the
competitions of
the annual Winter Equestrian Festival but
took part in a hugely successful auction of
celebrity sunglasses.
The luncheon's "shades" theme reflects a
common symptom of lupus: extreme sensitivity
to the sun. People with lupus are advised to
stay out of direct sunlight, apply sun block
daily, and wear hats-and sunglasses, of which
there were many remarkable pairs at the club
that afternoon.
Read
more about this exciting celebrity-supported
event »
View
photos from this event »
Why I Give to the LRI
The LRI only works because of the
contributions it gets, large and small, from
donors around the country and the world. In
this ongoing column,we get glimpses of this
committed community.
Jose and Tania Fano, Independent Construction
Managers, Miami area
Jose: "For the longest time, I didn't
know I had lupus. I do a lot of fishing here
in Miami, and for years I thought the sun was
causing these little red spots on my arms and
hands. But I also knew that something more
was happening--that something was really wrong...
Read
Jose's story »
Make
Your Donation Today »
Download the Spring 2007 Discovery Update Newsletter
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