Vitamin D and Its Link to Lupus (SLE)

A study, published on July 31, 2025, explores how Vitamin D levels relate to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.

Researchers reviewed 43 studies involving 2,940 SLE patients and 2,458 healthy people to understand Vitamin D’s role in lupus risk and severity.

Key Findings:

• Lower Vitamin D in SLE Patients: People with SLE had much lower Vitamin D levels (by about 10 ng/mL) compared to healthy individuals.

• Link to Disease Severity: Lower Vitamin D levels were tied to worse lupus symptoms, as measured by the SLEDAI score (a tool to assess lupus activity).

• Impact on Immune Markers: Low Vitamin D was linked to higher levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies (a marker of lupus activity) and lower levels of C3 and C4 (proteins that help the immune system). Higher Vitamin D levels were associated with better C3 and C4 levels.

• Study Quality: The studies were evaluated for quality, and while results were consistent, some limitations like study biases and language restrictions suggest caution in interpreting the findings.

Conclusion: Low Vitamin D levels are strongly linked to a higher risk and worse symptoms of lupus. Maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels may help manage lupus, but more research is needed to confirm these findings due to some inconsistencies in the studies.

Source: DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.70379

A Chinese Girl with NMOSD and Sjögren’s: case report

Case Report: A Chinese Girl with NMOSD and Sjögren’s Disease

This case involves a 14-year-old Chinese girl diagnosed with two rare autoimmune diseases: neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and primary Sjögren’s. NMOSD is a condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, particularly the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing symptoms like vision loss and pain. Sjögren’s is another autoimmune disorder that typically affects moisture-producing glands, like those for saliva and tears, but can also impact other organs.

What Happened?

- At age 11, the girl experienced sudden headaches, painful eye movements, and vision loss in her right eye. Tests showed she had NMOSD, confirmed by the presence of specific antibodies (AQP4-IgG) and MRI findings showing inflammation in her optic nerve.

- She was treated with strong anti-inflammatory drugs (methylprednisolone) and immune system support (immunoglobulin), which helped restore her vision. She was then put on long-term medications (prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil) to prevent further attacks.

- Later, tests showed she had elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST), which led to further investigation. A biopsy of her salivary gland revealed signs of Sjögren’s, confirmed by specific antibodies (anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB). She met the official criteria for primary Sjogren's diagnosis.

- Because her liver enzymes remained high, her medication was switched from mycophenolate mofetil to tacrolimus, which normalized her liver function. She has not had any NMOSD relapses since the initial episode.

Why Is This Important?

- NMOSD and primary Sjögren’s are rare in children, and having both together is even rarer. This case shows the importance of checking for other autoimmune diseases in kids with NMOSD, as they can have additional conditions like Sjögren’s that need specific treatment.

- Regular testing for antibodies (like ANA or others) can help doctors catch these conditions early, improving treatment and quality of life. If someone with Sjögren’sdevelops neurological symptoms, testing for NMOSD is critical to avoid missing the diagnosis.

SOURCE: A Chinese girl with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder coexisting with primary Sjogren’s syndrome: a case report and literature review.

What is Pediatric Autoimmune Disease?

Pediatric autoimmune diseases are conditions where a child’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own body’s healthy cells, tissues, or organs — thinking they’re harmful invaders.

These diseases can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, brain, gut, and vital organs. Symptoms vary widely depending on which area is affected.

Common Pediatric Autoimmune Diseases

1. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
   Inflammation in the joints causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

2. Type 1 Diabetes
   The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

3. Pediatric Lupus (SLE)
   Affects skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

4. PANS/PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)
   Sudden OCD or tics after an infection (often strep).

5. Celiac Disease
   The immune system reacts to gluten, damaging the intestines.

6. Autoimmune Hepatitis, Thyroiditis, Vitiligo
   Other less common autoimmune types affecting liver, hormones, or skin pigmentation.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Ongoing fevers with no infection

• Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness

• Extreme fatigue or weakness

• Sudden behavioral changes or tics (as in PANS/PANDAS)

• Skin rashes, mouth sores, or sun sensitivity

• Stomach pain, diarrhea, or weight loss

What Causes It?

There’s no single cause, but common factors include:

• Genetics (family history of autoimmune conditions)

• Environmental triggers (infections, stress, diet)

• Overactive or misdirected immune response

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis can be complex and may involve:

• Blood tests (e.g. ANA, inflammation markers)

• Imaging (e.g. X-rays or MRIs for joint issues)

• Specialist assessments (pediatric rheumatologists, endocrinologists, neurologists)

Treatment goals:

• Control immune activity

• Reduce inflammation

• Manage symptoms (pain, fatigue, organ damage)

• Maintain normal growth and development

Common treatments:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Immunosuppressants

• Biologic therapies

• Diet and lifestyle changes

• Mental health support

Living with a Pediatric Autoimmune Disease

• Early diagnosis = better outcomes

• Many children go into remission or live full lives with good care

• Support is key: physical, emotional, educational

• Advocacy and awareness help reduce stigma and improve research

🔗 Support Resources

• Arthritis Foundation – Kids Get Arthritis Too

• Lupus Foundation of America

• JDRF – Type 1 Diabetes

• PANDAS Network

• Local pediatric hospitals and chronic illness support groups

Can Berberine Help Manage Autoimmune Diseases and Allergies?

Berberine as a Natural Immunomodulator of B Lymphocytes

Berberine is a natural compound found in certain plants, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects. This review explores how berberine affects B cells, which are immune cells responsible for producing antibodies to fight infections but can also contribute to diseases like allergies, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.

Key Points in Simple Terms:

- What Are B Cells? B cells are part of your immune system. They make antibodies to protect you from infections, but when they go haywire, they can cause problems like allergies (producing IgE antibodies) or autoimmune diseases (producing harmful IgG/IgA antibodies).

- How Does Berberine Help?

  - Reducing Harmful B Cell Activity: Berberine can calm down overactive B cells in conditions like allergies or autoimmune diseases. It reduces the number of B cells that produce harmful antibodies by affecting key signaling pathways (like NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and PI3K) and proteins that control B cell behavior (like STAT6, GATA3, and Blimp-1).

  - Boosting Helpful B Cells: In infections, berberine can actually help B cells produce protective antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG) to fight off germs.

  - Fighting B Cell Cancers: Berberine shows promise in treating B cell-related cancers (like lymphoma) by causing DNA damage, stopping cancer cell growth, and triggering cancer cell death. It affects pathways like c-Myc/CD47, ROS/JNK, and proteins like CDK4, CDK6, and Bcl-2.

  - Mixed Effects with Other Treatments: Berberine’s interaction with standard cancer treatments (like rituximab) can be tricky, sometimes helping and sometimes interfering, so more research is needed.

Why Does This Matter?

Berberine could be a natural way to balance the immune system, especially for conditions involving problematic B cells. It might help reduce symptoms in autoimmune diseases, allergies, or even some cancers, but its effects need to be carefully studied, especially when combined with other treatments.

In Summary:

The berberine review suggests that this natural compound could be a promising tool for managing immune-related disorders by targeting B cells, but more research is needed to fully understand its potential and limitations.

Berberine is a natural compound found in certain plants and is available as a dietary supplement. Based on the information from the provided review and web sources, here’s how you can obtain berberine in simple terms:

1. Purchasing Berberine Supplements

• Where to Buy:
  • Online Retailers: Berberine supplements are widely available on websites like:
    • Amazon (e.g., Luma Nutrition Berberine Supplement, 1200 mg per serving, 60 capsules)
    • Walmart (e.g., Ultra Berberine 500 mg, Health Thru Nutrition Berberine HCl 500 mg).
    • Target (offers various herbal supplements, including berberine).
    • Health Food Stores and Pharmacies: Many local health food stores, pharmacies, or supplement retailers carry berberine supplements. 
• Forms Available:
  • Capsules/Tablets: Most common, typically ranging from 500 mg to 1200 mg per serving (e.g., 1–3 capsules daily).
  • Powder: Available for those who prefer mixing into water, juice, or smoothies.
  • Gummies or Other Forms: Less common but available from some brands.
• What to Look For:
  • Choose high-quality, third-party tested products to ensure purity and potency (e.g., non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan options like Luma Nutrition or Double Wood)
  • Check for enhanced absorption formulations (e.g., with MCT oil or phytosome technology) for better bioavailability, as berberine has low natural absorption.
  • Common dosages are 500–1500 mg daily, often taken before meals (e.g., 500 mg 2–3 times daily) according to MedlinePlus. 

2. Natural Sources (Plants Containing Berberine)

• Berberine is found in plants like:
  • Barberry (Berberis aristata, Indian Barberry)
  • Goldenseal
  • Oregon Grape
  • Goldthread
  • Phellodendron
  • Tree Turmeric
• These plants have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, but consuming them directly (e.g., as teas or extracts) may not provide consistent or high enough doses of berberine compared to supplements according to WebMD.
• You might find herbal teas or tinctures containing these plants in health food stores, but they are less common and less potent than supplements.

3. Important Considerations Before Getting Berberine

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always talk to a doctor before starting berberine, especially if you:
  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 (berberine may be unsafe in these cases).
  • Take medications, as berberine can interact with drugs like metformin, statins, blood thinners, or cyclosporine.
  • Have conditions like diabetes, liver issues, or heart disease, as berberine can affect blood sugar, blood pressure, or liver function.
• Side Effects: Berberine is generally safe but may cause mild side effects like digestive upset. Rarely, it may cause liver toxicity or heart rhythm issues at high doses.
• Dosage: Typical doses are 500–1500 mg daily, taken in divided doses before meals. Avoid taking with food for best absorption. (Ohio State Health).
• Quality and Safety: Since supplements are not strictly regulated by the FDA, choose reputable brands with third-party testing (e.g., NSF, Underwriters Laboratories).

4. Why You Might Want Berberine

• Based on the review, berberine can influence B cells, which are part of the immune system. It may:
  • Reduce harmful B cell activity in autoimmune diseases or allergies by lowering antibody production (e.g., IgE, IgG, IgA).
  • Support B cell activity during infections by boosting protective antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG).
  • Show anti-cancer effects against B cell malignancies by inducing cell death and DNA damage.
• Other benefits include supporting blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, weight loss, and heart health, though evidence for weight loss is not conclusive.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate and there is one product in this post - Berberine Supplements -  with a link to Amazon. If you do end up purchasing at Amazon I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Have you tried Berberine and has it helped your symptoms? I would love to hear about it in the comments. 

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Research into Genes and Multiple Sclerosis

This is a simplified summary of the research "Association of HLA-DRA, HLA-DQA1, and IL-6 gene variations with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis" published in Springer Nature 11th July 2025.

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Simple Summary

Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term disease where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. It can cause physical and mental disability, but doctors still don’t know exactly what causes it. Genetics, which you inherit from your parents, may play a role. This study looked at specific gene changes, called polymorphisms, (see more about these below) to see if they are more common in people with MS.

What the researchers studied:
The scientists looked at small changes in three genes that are important in how the body handles inflammation and immune responses:

• HLA-DRA

• HLA-DQA1

• IL-6

They studied blood samples from 98 people with MS and 100 healthy people, using a special lab method (RT-PCR) to look at gene differences.

Key findings:

• One specific variation in the IL-6 gene (called rs1800796) was found more often in people with MS than in healthy people. This suggests it may be linked to a higher risk of developing MS.

• Variations in the HLA-DRA and HLA-DQA1 genes did not show a clear link to MS in this study.

• Levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid were also checked, but they didn’t show any connection to the gene variations or to MS in this group.

Conclusion:
A change in the IL-6 gene may increase the risk of getting MS. More research is needed, but this finding could help in understanding who is more likely to develop MS and why.

Read original article. 

🧬 What Are Polymorphisms?

Polymorphisms are natural variations or small differences in a person’s DNA. These variations are common and usually harmless. However, some polymorphisms can affect how your body works, including how it responds to infections, medications, or how likely you are to develop certain diseases.

One common type of polymorphism is called a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (pronounced “snip”). This means a single “letter” in the DNA code is different. For example:

• Most people might have A (adenine) at a particular spot in their DNA.

• Some people might have G (guanine) at that same spot.

This tiny change can sometimes affect how a gene functions.

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🧠 Polymorphisms and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerve cells. Some gene polymorphisms can make people more likely to develop MS by:

• Changing how the immune system responds.

• Increasing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

• Altering how certain proteins are made.

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🔍 Which Polymorphisms Did This Study Look At?

The study focused on gene regions linked to immune function:

1. IL-6 gene (interleukin-6):

   • Makes a protein that increases inflammation.

   • A change (polymorphism) called rs1800796 was more common in people with MS.

   • This may mean people with this gene version have a higher risk of developing MS.

2. HLA-DRA and HLA-DQA1 genes:

   • Part of the HLA system (human leukocyte antigen), which helps the immune system tell the difference between the body’s own cells and invaders like viruses.

   • Variations in these genes are known to be involved in many autoimmune diseases.

   • In this study, the polymorphisms they looked at in these genes did not show a clear link to MS.

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🧩 Why Are Polymorphisms Important in Research?

• They help scientists understand disease risk.

• They might explain why some treatments work better for some people than others.

• They help guide personalized medicine — tailoring treatments based on a person’s genetic makeup.

Other posts you may be interested in:

High levels of alexithymia in patients with multiple sclerosis

Early symptoms and the Specific Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

A promising path for future treatments to stop progressive MS

Manganese benefits for autoimmune disease

Why Your Gut Loves Fruit (And Why You Should Too)

Your gut does a lot more than just digest food—it’s a major player in your immune system, energy levels, and overall health. At the heart of it all is your gut microbiome—a massive mix of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses that live in your digestive tract. When this mix is balanced and healthy, it helps your body run smoothly. When it’s not, it can lead to problems like inflammation, poor digestion, and even chronic diseases like diabetes and IBS.

So, how do you keep your gut in good shape? One of the easiest and most effective ways is eating more fruit.

Fruits are packed with the good stuff your gut loves: fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols. These nutrients help feed the “good” bacteria in your gut, encouraging them to grow and thrive. In return, these helpful microbes produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and help your gut lining stay strong.

Some fruits stand out when it comes to gut health. Bananas, apples, citrus fruits, and berries are all superstars. Their natural fibers act as prebiotics (food for your gut bacteria), while their antioxidants help calm inflammation and protect gut cells from damage.

Fruits and their effects on gut health from Fruit-based Diet & Gut Health: A Review.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Soluble fiber (in apples, citrus) helps support good bacteria and produce SCFAs.

• Insoluble fiber (in pears, prunes) keeps things moving in your digestive system.

• Polyphenols & flavonoids (in blueberries, cherries, pomegranates) fight inflammation.

• Vitamins C & E and antioxidants (in kiwi, mango, grapes) help protect and repair your gut lining.

On the flip side, diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can throw your gut out of balance—a state called dysbiosis. This can weaken your immune system and raise your risk for a bunch of health problems.

Of course, not everyone has easy access to fresh fruit all the time. Cost, availability, and personal dietary needs can make it tricky. But even small changes—like adding a piece of fruit to breakfast or swapping sugary snacks for berries—can make a real difference.

Bottom line? Your gut loves fruit. And the more variety and color you add to your diet, the better your gut (and the rest of you) will feel.

This overview shows the importance of fruit in maintaining gut health and supporting the immune system. For more detailed information, you can refer to the full articles and studies linked below.

Improving gut microbiome through diet rich in dietary fibre and polyphenols: The case for orange peels

Role of dietary polyphenols on gut microbiota, their metabolites and health benefits

Fruits, vegetables, and biotics for a healthy gut microbiome

Fruit-Based Diet and Gut Health: A Review

Articles you might also like:

The Microbiota in Human Health

Eat foods that aid the immune system

CAR-T cell therapy in rheumatic diseases

CAR-T cell therapy, originally developed to treat blood cancers, is now being explored as a treatment for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. This therapy works by genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to produce special receptors (CARs) that help them target and destroy harmful immune cells.

The review discusses how CAR-T therapy could help in diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). In SLE, it shows promise in removing harmful B cells and helping patients stay in remission. In tough-to-treat RA, it may kill immune cells that fuel the disease. For SSc, CAR-T therapy could target both abnormal B cell activity and tissue scarring (fibrosis), which are key parts of the illness.

There’s also growing interest in using CAR-T therapy for other autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome and dermatomyositis.

While CAR-T therapy offers precise and long-lasting immune control, there are still challenges like serious side effects, immune reactions, and high costs. New approaches, like CAR-Tregs (regulatory T cells) and advanced gene-editing, might make the treatment safer and more specific.

More research and clinical trials are needed to confirm how effective, safe, and affordable CAR-T therapy is for autoimmune diseases. Still, this treatment has the potential to significantly improve care for patients with hard-to-treat rheumatic conditions.

SUMMARY:

CAR-T cell therapy, first used for blood cancers, is being explored for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.

It works by modifying T cells to target and kill harmful immune cells.

Promising results have been seen in:

• SLE: Targets autoreactive B cells to maintain remission.
• RA: Helps eliminate disease-driving immune cells in tough cases.
• SSc: May reduce abnormal B cell activity and tissue fibrosis.

Potential applications are emerging in Sjögren’s syndrome and dermatomyositis.

Benefits: Targeted action, long-lasting effects, minimal overall immune suppression.

Challenges: Risk of cytokine release syndrome, immune toxicity, and high costs.

Future improvements may come from:

• CAR-Tregs (regulatory cells for better control),
• Gene-editing for more precision and safety.

More trials and long-term studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and affordability.

Overall, CAR-T therapy could transform treatment for difficult autoimmune diseases.

SOURCE: Patil, H., Bharadwaj, R.K., Dutta, N. et al. CAR-T cell therapy in rheumatic diseases: a review article. 2025 Clinical Rheumatology  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-025-07451-7

The Microbiota in human health

The microbiota — all the tiny bugs living in and on us — plays a huge role in keeping us healthy. It helps with things like digestion, immune defense, and even brain health. Everyone’s microbiota is unique, like a fingerprint, so future treatments could be personalized just for you. Scientists are still learning how it all connects, but understanding it better could lead to new ways to prevent and treat a lot of serious diseases, making life healthier and better for everyone.

When the balance of these microorganisms is disturbed (called dysbiosis), it can lead to diseases like diabetes, autoimmune problems, brain disorders, and heart disease. Keeping the microbiota healthy is important for overall health, and treatments like probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and microbiome transplants are showing promise in restoring balance and preventing chronic illnesses.

A recent large review looks at how the microbiota affects our health and highlights new ways to use treatments like probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal transplants to help prevent and manage diseases.

Everyone has a unique set of tiny microbes living in their body, and they play a huge role in our health. By studying a person’s microbiota with special tests, doctors can spot early signs of diseases like diabetes, autoimmune problems, and brain disorders, and even create personalized treatments.

In real life, changing your diet or using things like probiotics (good bacteria), prebiotics (food for good bacteria), and postbiotics (helpful stuff made by bacteria) can help keep your gut healthy. Foods like yogurt, kefir, garlic, onions, and whole grains are great for your microbiota. Some special new probiotics are being tested and could help with serious problems like obesity, diabetes, and gut diseases.

But quick fixes don't work — you usually need to stick with these changes for at least three months to see real results.

Another interesting approach is microbiota transplants, where healthy gut bacteria from someone else are used to fix serious infections. They're super effective for some conditions and are being tested for others like skin and gynecological issues.

Plus, your microbiota can even affect how medicines work in your body. Matching treatments to your personal microbiota could make medications work better and cause fewer side effects.

In short: taking care of your microbiota could be a game-changer for staying healthy and treating diseases in a much more personalized way.

RESOURCE: The Microbiota–Human Health Axis published April 20, 2025 in MDPI