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Queen's University commences major study into 'lupus'

19 May 2004

Queen's commences major study into 'lupus'

A major study into the effects of fish oils on lupus sufferers is to be carried

out by researchers from Queen's University.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or 'lupus') is a disease affecting many

organs within humans caused by the production of antibodies to the body's own

tissues.

It has recently emerged that patients with lupus have an increased risk of

developing heart disease at an early age with an estimated risk of up to 50

times compared to the general population.

The three-year study – the first of its type – will focus on how

lupus, which affects more women than men, increases the risk of heart disease

among patients.

Lead researcher, Dr , who is based in the Rheumatology department

at Musgrave Park Hospital,

says no-one knows why patients with lupus have this increased risk and the new

study aims to find out why.

" Many substances cause the blood vessels within the body to enlarge or

reduce in calibre depending on the particular controlling chemical, " Dr

said. " One such chemical, nitric oxide (NO) is the most potent

substance known to cause our blood vessels to dilate.

" It has been shown in lupus that some of these chemicals, including nitric

oxide, are present in different amounts compared to people without lupus. We

believe that this imbalance in nitric oxide may be a vital link between lupus

and heart disease, " he said.

According to Dr fish oils, known to protect against heart disease, have

recently been shown by the lupus research group at Queen's University to

improve symptoms in lupus patients.

" Fish oils are also known to influence the production of nitric oxide in

other diseases so our study will be looking at how fish oils supplements affect

blood vessel function and nitric oxide production, " he said.

This study is unique as it will shed light on the relationships between the

production of chemical substances by blood vessels and blood vessel health in

patients with lupus. Measurement of blood vessel function will employ novel

methods pioneered by Dr McVeigh in the Department of Therapeutics and

Pharmacology at Queen's.

The Wellcome Trust has provided initial funding of £115,000 with the

option of further funding if required.

The trials, which are expected to begin in August at Queen's and Belfast City Hospital,

will involve around 100 patients.

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