Researchers believe that VEXAS is the prototype of a new type of disease that humanity will face.
VEXAS syndrome was discovered by doctors in 2020, so it is understandable that most people have not heard of it. It’s much more common than researchers thought, and it’s not the only scary thing.
About it writes WebMD.
Researchers estimate that 15,500 people in the US over the age of 50 suffer from this syndrome, whose symptoms typically include an unexplained fever, pneumonia, myeloma (plasma cell cancer), arthritis, vasculitis, low blood oxygen, and more.
The main cause for concern about VEXAS is the high mortality rate, with up to half of those diagnosed dying within five years. Researchers believe that VEHAS is the prototype of a new type of disease that humanity will face.
VEXAS syndrome is associated with a genetic mutation, but not inherited. This means that you will not receive it from your parents and cannot pass it on to your children. VEXAS is also not contagious. But if you have it, then there is a mutation in your UBA1 gene.
What does VEXAS mean?
This is an abbreviation for the features that distinguish this disease:
- Vacuoles in blood cells;
- E1 is an enzyme your body needs to function and survive;
- X is the chromosome containing the mutated UBA1 gene;
- Autoinflammatory – disease refers to problems with your immune system’s responses;
- Somatic mutations (added during life and not inherited).
Who is sick with VEXAS
Mostly men. It develops later in life due to a genetic mutation.
About 13,200 men and 2,300 women in the US suffer from VEXAS, according to a new study. It is more common than other inflammatory conditions such as myeloid dysplasia syndrome and vasculitis.
What Causes VEXAS Syndrome
Mutation in your UBA1 gene. This mutation affects immune cells, as well as cells that are formed in the bone marrow and are part of the blood.
Scientists have found a mutation in the UBA1 gene in myeloid cells (white blood cells that affect the immune response and inflammation) in those who have VEXAS. They believe that these cells are activated for no reason and cause inflammatory symptoms.
What are the symptoms of VEXAS?
You may have fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Your skin, the cartilage in your ears and nose, and your blood vessels can become inflamed, as well as your joints (the syndrome causes arthritis). You may also have swollen lymph nodes or inflammation of the lungs or eyes.
Is VEXAS curable?
There is no standard treatment. But your doctor can treat your inflammation with steroids and immunosuppressants.
Biologics have been tested to treat autoimmune diseases, but corticosteroids are so far the only effective drugs for treating VEXAS. However, steroids do not work for some people.
VEXAS can affect different organs, so you will need expert advice. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant is possible.
Researchers are looking into other possible treatments for VEXAS, such as stem cell therapy and a specific drug. Scientists are still trying to decipher and understand the numerous mutations in the UBA1 gene.
Earlier in TRAIN stated that by 2030 the incidence of various chronic diseases, in particular heart disease and diabetes. Experts believe that in 8 years 500 million new cases of non-communicable diseases will be registered worldwide. These severe consequences for humanity are associated with the lack of sufficient physical activity in people.
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