Addressing the research gap: access to care hinders genetic discovery in systemic lupus erythematosus patients throughout the African diaspora

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune condition that disproportionately impacts non-White ethnic and racial groups, particularly individuals in the African diaspora who experience heightened incidence, prevalence, and adverse outcomes. Genetic and epigenetic factors play signifi...

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Published inFrontiers in genetics Vol. 15; p. 1414490
Main Authors Hwang, Jihwan, Dzifa Dey, Ida, Ayanlowo, Olusola, Flower, Cindy, King, Amanda, Johnson, Nicole, Ima-Edomwonyi, Uyiekpen, Olasebikan, Hakeem, Falasinnu, Titilola, Durairaj Pandian, Vishnuprabu, Blazer, Ashira
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 15.08.2024
Subjects
African diaspora
Genetics
global health
health disparities
lupus introduction ancestry and race
systemic lupus erythematosus
African diaspora
global health
lupus introduction ancestry and race
systemic lupus erythematosus
health disparities
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Summary:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune condition that disproportionately impacts non-White ethnic and racial groups, particularly individuals in the African diaspora who experience heightened incidence, prevalence, and adverse outcomes. Genetic and epigenetic factors play significant roles in SLE risk, however these factors neither explain the whole of SLE risk nor the stark racial disparities we observe. Moreover, our understanding of genetic risk factors within African ancestry populations is limited due to social and environmental influences on research participation, disease presentation, and healthcare access. Globally, the African diaspora faces barriers in accessing essential SLE diagnostic tools, therapeutics, healthcare practitioners, and high-quality clinical and translational research studies. Here, we provide insights into the current state of genetic studies within African ancestry populations and highlight the unique challenges encountered in SLE care and research across countries of varying income levels. We also identify opportunities to address these disparities and promote scientific equity for individuals affected by SLE within the global African diaspora.
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Paula Ramos, Medical University of South Carolina, United States
Edited by: David Varillas-Delgado, Francisco de Vitoria University, Spain
Reviewed by: Marcia Holsbach Beltrame, Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
ISSN:1664-8021
1664-8021
DOI:10.3389/fgene.2024.1414490