Why women are more vulnerable to autoimmune disorder lupus than men

Female sex hormone oestrogen and the X chromosome play a significant role in making women more vulnerable to the autoimmune disorder lupusrsquo said experts on World Lupus Day on FridayWorld Lupus Day is observed every year on May 10 to raise awareness of the lifechanging autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its organs by producing certain substances called antibodiesSymptoms predominantly include fever fatigue malar rashes multiple large and small joint pains breathlessness sometimes difficulty in swallowing and chest painThe condition also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE affects millions of individuals worldwide In India 32 cases of SLE are documented per 100000 people However globally women in the reproductive age range disproportionately account for up to 90 per cent of cases of the SLEAlso Read EXCLUSIVE lsquoLonger the life of a food product the sooner your expiry date Revant Himatsingka aka Food PharmerDespite recent progress in the understanding of lupus the striking femaletomale ratio of disease incidence remains largely unexplainedldquoBut some studies point out that sex hormones play a major role in causing genetically predisposed women more vulnerable to lupus oestrogen specifically is likely to contribute more to the development of lupusrdquo Dr Anu Daber Sr Consultant Rheumatology Paras Health Gurugram told IANSResearch also highlights the connection between X chromosomes in women and the development of lupus meaning in females having two active X chromosomes would overwhelm the cellular machineryldquoTo prevent this one X chromosome is inactivated in each developing cell This process called Xchromosome inactivation might influence how the immune system learns to identify threats Variations in how efficiently this inactivation occurs could potentially lead the immune system to mistakenly target the bodys own tissues contributing to autoimmune diseases like lupusrdquo Dr Anu explainedDr Prasad Kuvalekar Consultant Physician of Internal Medicine DPU Super Specialty Hospital Pimpri Pune noted that lupus affects the skin kidney heart brain joints lungs and blood vesselsAlso Read How social media addiction has given rise to popcorn brain in young adultsldquoThere are no vaccines available to prevent lupus as its an autoimmune condition and most of the time its genetic There are also no preceding signs to identify its early onsetrdquo Dr Prasad told IANS noting that malar rashes can to some extent be identified as an early signFurther people with lupus are more susceptible to infection cancer and bone tissue death since the disease and its therapies can impair the immune system Lupus also raises complications in pregnancy problems Dr Prasad said that women who have lupus are more likely to miscarryldquoLupus raises the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and premature birth To lessen the chance of severe consequences doctors frequently advise deferring pregnancy until your disease has been controlled for at least six monthsrdquo he addedPhysical activity may be key to managing the autoimmune disorder and the associated problems as well as ease mental stressldquoWomen can include lowimpact exercises in their routine like yoga tai chi pilates walking and swimming Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health reducing the risk of depression and anxiety which are common comorbidities among individuals with SLErdquo Dr Anu saidAlso Read Can this respiratory disease be cured with the latest medical advancementsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever