Obesity as an aggravating factor of systemic lupus erythematosus disease: What we already know and what we must explore? - A rapid scoping review

• Published in: Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) Vol. 128; p. 112559
• Main Authors: Carvalho, Lucas M., Carvalho, Beatriz G., Souza, Leticia L., da Mota, Jhulia CNL, Ribeiro, Amanda A., Nicoletti, Carolina F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Adipose tissue; Eating disorders; Inflammation; Microbiota; Obesity; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Obesity; Microbiota; Inflammation; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Adipose tissue; Eating disorders
• ISSN: 0899-9007; 1873-1244; 1873-1244
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112559

•The prevalence of obesity in patients with SLE is aching rates ranging between 29% and 50%.•The excess of adipose tissue triggers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines such as leptin that could be central to connecting obesity and autoimmunity.•Obesity may negatively impact treatment response, disease progression, and patient prognosis.•Obesity associated to SLE Patients may as increase symptom severity, the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems. Symptoms of SLE can vary widely from person to person and over time, including fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, fever, and inflammation of multiple organs. The association between SLE and excess body weight has been the subject of study, with evidence suggesting that overweight and obesity can worsen the disease´s clinical presentation. Obesity is linked to a state of low-grade chronic inflammation, which can exacerbate the inflammation present in SLE. Additionally, obesity may negatively impact treatment response, disease progression, and patient prognosis. Patients with SLE and obesity may face additional challenges in managing the disease, such as increased symptom severity, higher risk of cardiovascular and renal complications, and a reduced response to conventional treatments. Obesity can also influence the quality of life of patients with SLE, making a holistic approach that considers the individual's nutritional status essential. Therefore, understanding the relationship between obesity and SLE is crucial for optimizing treatment, improving clinical outcomes, and enhancing patients' quality of life. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, develop more precise and personalized management strategies, and identify biomarkers that can predict disease prognosis and treatment response.