Transcription Factors in the Pathogenesis of Lupus Nephritis and Their Targeted Therapy.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized by breakdown of immunotolerance to self-antigens. Renal involvement, known as lupus nephritis (LN), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and a significant contributor to mortality in SLE. Despite current pathophysiological advances, further studies are needed to fully understand complex mechanisms underlying the development and progression of LN.

Asthma-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap: The Role for Allergy.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are 2 distinct diseases with different clinical presentations. Chronic inflammation and airway obstruction are key features of asthma and COPD. Increased morbidity and mortality rates seem to be an important characteristic associated with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO).