SLE is caused by cell debris

doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7248.1495/a

BMJ 2000;320:1495 ( 3 June )

News

SLE is caused by cell debris

Abi Berger , BMJ
The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Good direct evidence that the body's inability to clear up cell debris leads to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has beenconfirmed by Germanscientists.

Cell biologists have confirmed that a lack of DNase1, an enzyme that degrades DNA, leads to the development of SLE. Theirfinding is not only important in understanding the pathogenesisof SLE, but also suggests that detection of high risk cases maybe possible. Early diagnosis may also allow treatment with compoundscontaining DNase1 as a useful adjunct to conventional treatmentwith immunosuppressive drugs (Nature Genetics 2000;25:177-81).

This enzyme is secreted in bodily fluids and tends to be active at sites of cell destruction. It is responsible for clearingup cellular debris and does so by chopping up long strands ofDNA into short pieces to facilitate theirdisposal.

While trying to elucidate some of the processes involved in apoptosis (programmed cell death), Professor Tarik Mïrïy . . . [Full text of this article]