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 Stephen Wright, 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 Wright 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 Wright 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 Gary 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.

(MB)