Lupus more severe in patients with Southern European ancestry

If you have systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE), you know how it can really vary from one person to another.

Now, according to research presented at a conference this week, where your family is from may play a role in the severity of lupus symptoms. A press release issued by EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) states, “According to the results of the research, northern European ancestry is shown to be associated with the relatively milder mucocutaneous (skin) manifestations of SLE, whereas southern European ancestry contributes to more severe manifestations of the disorder such as nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) and increased production of specific autoantibodies (antibodies that fail to recognise and therefore attack the body’s own cells, tissues or organs).”

~~~~~~~