Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Gullah Health

Description

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies, multiple organ involvement, and diverse clinical symptoms and immunologic manifestations. African Americans are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing SLE, develop SLE at an earlier age, and have increased morbidity and mortality compared with European Americans. Our central study hypothesis is that there are specific genetic factors that interact with environmental exposures leading to the development of SLE. The African American Gullah population from the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia are unique in their genetic homogeneity with minimal non-African genetic admixture, making them an ideal cohort to address questions of environmental and genetic influence on the development and progression of SLE.

Conditions

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies, multiple organ involvement, and diverse clinical symptoms and immunologic manifestations. African Americans are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing SLE, develop SLE at an earlier age, and have increased morbidity and mortality compared with European Americans. Our central study hypothesis is that there are specific genetic factors that interact with environmental exposures leading to the development of SLE. The African American Gullah population from the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia are unique in their genetic homogeneity with minimal non-African genetic admixture, making them an ideal cohort to address questions of environmental and genetic influence on the development and progression of SLE.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Gullah Health

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Gullah Health

Condition
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Charleston

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Age 2 years and above;
  • * Self-identified as African-American "Gullah" from the Sea Island region of South Carolina;
  • * Have had at least 4 of the 11 diagnostic criteria for SLE as designated by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), be a relative of a known SLE patient, or be an unrelated healthy Gullah control;
  • * Ability to speak and understand English;
  • * Ability and willingness to give informed consent
  • * Race defined by participant as other than Black or African-American;
  • * Being a prisoner, mentally ill patient, or institutionalized individual;
  • * Unwilling or unable to give informed consent

Ages Eligible for Study

2 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Medical University of South Carolina,

Diane L. Kamen, MD, MSCR, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Medical University of South Carolina

Study Record Dates

2027-06