Principles behind SLE treatment with N-acetylcysteine.

ABSTRACT: Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a multisystem chronic autoimmune disease in which disrupted molecular pathways lead to multiple clinical manifestations. Currently approved treatments include hydroxychloroquine, some immunosuppressive medications, and some biologics. They all come with a range of side effects. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that has shown potential benefits in SLE patients without having major side effects. The following review highlights the molecular mechanisms behind the therapeutic effect of NAC in SLE patients. A higher-than normal mitochondrial transmembrane potential or mitochondrial hyperpolarization (MHP) was found in lymphocytes from SLE patients. MHP is attributed the blocked electron transport, and it is associated with the depletion of ATP

SUBMITTER: Nasr S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9605192 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature