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Researchers Develop Molecule for Fighting Lupus

Over five million people globally are afflicted by Lupus, an autoimmune disease similar to Colitis and Crohn's. The long-term malady affects the immune system by making it hyperactive, attacking normal, healthy tissue. Symptoms of the disease range from swelling, inflammation, damage to either the skin, joints, kidneys, heart or lungs, severe fatigue as well as unexplained fever, pain, and rashes across the skin. Researchers Professor Varda Shoshan-Barmatz of Israel’s Ben Gurion University and Dr. Jay Chung of the United States National Institute of Health have successfully shown that the mitochondrial protein VDAC1 is "critical" for the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The mtDNA is linked to the composition of Lupus in patients. Also, the newly found discovery has shown results in patients to successfully relieve symptoms of the disease. “Our breakthrough is identifying a new pathway for the exit of mitochondrial DNA that we can either trigger under controlled conditions or inhibit using our novel molecule that we specifically developed to prevent the formation of this pathway,” said Shoshan-Barmatz. “Since the results thus far with lupus have been so promising, we believe that the molecule will be beneficial with regards to other diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis - as our preliminary results already support." (VFI News)

Israel is a leader in science, medicine, technology and dozens of other areas to assist our planet and its inhabitants to heal and to prosper. “And it shall come to pass that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing.” Zech. 8:13