Xiaozhen Mu1, Chenchen Wang2. 1. Division of Rheumatology of Guang'anmen Hospital Affiliated to China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China. 2. Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine, Box 406, Boston, MA, 02111, USA. cwang2@tuftsmedicalcenter.org.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, potentially fatal autoimmune disease with no complete cure. Current treatments for SLE are limited by suboptimal efficacy and increased risk of infections and malignancies, and cannot meet the clinical demands of patients with SLE. Artemisinin and its derivatives (artemisinins), a new class of anti-malarial drugs, have recently been reported to have an immunosuppressive effect on lupus patients. In this review, we evaluate the therapeutic properties and potential mechanisms of artemisinins for the treatment of SLE. RECENT FINDINGS: Both clinical and animal studies suggest that artemisinins have potential beneficial effects for SLE. The beneficial effects associated with artemisinin treatment include improving symptoms, reducing level of antibodies and proteinuria, ameliorating renal damage, and diminishing the dosage of prednisone use. Animal studies suggest that mechanisms of action of artemisinins may include regulating T cell subsets, inhibiting activation of B cells and production of inflammatory cytokines, as well as blocking the NF-κB signal transduction pathway, thus playing a role in anti-inflammation and immunomodulation. Artemisinin family drugs are a promising potential new medication that may challenge the current treatment paradigms available for SLE.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, potentially fatal autoimmune disease with no complete cure. Current treatments for SLE are limited by suboptimal efficacy and increased risk of infections and malignancies, and cannot meet the clinical demands of patients with SLE. Artemisinin and its derivatives (artemisinins), a new class of anti-malarial drugs, have recently been reported to have an immunosuppressive effect on lupuspatients. In this review, we evaluate the therapeutic properties and potential mechanisms of artemisinins for the treatment of SLE. RECENT FINDINGS: Both clinical and animal studies suggest that artemisinins have potential beneficial effects for SLE. The beneficial effects associated with artemisinin treatment include improving symptoms, reducing level of antibodies and proteinuria, ameliorating renal damage, and diminishing the dosage of prednisone use. Animal studies suggest that mechanisms of action of artemisinins may include regulating T cell subsets, inhibiting activation of B cells and production of inflammatory cytokines, as well as blocking the NF-κB signal transduction pathway, thus playing a role in anti-inflammation and immunomodulation. Artemisinin family drugs are a promising potential new medication that may challenge the current treatment paradigms available for SLE.
Authors: Jacob Golenser; Judith H Waknine; Miriam Krugliak; Nicholas H Hunt; Georges E Grau Journal: Int J Parasitol Date: 2006-09-12 Impact factor: 3.981
Authors: François Nosten; Rose McGready; Umberto d'Alessandro; Ana Bonell; Francine Verhoeff; Clara Menendez; Thenonest Mutabingwa; Bernard Brabin Journal: Curr Drug Saf Date: 2006-01
Authors: Robert Hutagalung; Hsar Htoo; Paw Nwee; Jaruwan Arunkamomkiri; Julien Zwang; Verena I Carrara; Elizabeth Ashley; Pratap Singhasivanon; Nicholas J White; François Nosten Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2006-02 Impact factor: 2.345