Dietary compound boosts immunosuppressant's effect for lupus treatment
University of Alabama researchers have found that a combination of an existing immunosuppressant drug and a compound derived from dietary sources showed greater benefit than either treatment alone in a preclinical model of lupus.
Researchers from the University of Alabama discovered that when a commonly used immunosuppressant drug called cyclosporine is combined with a compound called Urolithin A, derived from certain dietary sources, it provides a greater therapeutic benefit in a preclinical model of lupus compared to either treatment on its own. Urolithin A is recognized as generally safe by the FDA and is commonly found in over-the-counter supplements, making it a potentially accessible and practical addition to existing lupus treatments.
The researchers conducted the study in a rodent model specifically designed to reflect the higher prevalence of lupus in women, and found that while Urolithin A alone had limited effect, its combination with cyclosporine significantly improved disease progression. This preclinical finding suggests that this combination therapy could potentially offer a safer treatment option for lupus patients by reducing reliance on treatments with more severe side effects.
However, it is important to note that this is a lab study and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications. Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this approach in human patients.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
