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The Complement System in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Overview and Outlook

The Complement system is a participant in many diseases such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), hereditary angioedema (HAE), etc. Among these rheumatic diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is proved to have the closest relationship with the complement system.

In 1896, Jules Bordet discovered the complement system, and related research earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1919. At that time, it happened that World War I caused the Nobel Prize to cease for four consecutive years. Jules Bordet became the first recipient of the Physiology Award after the re-award.

After this, complement-related research has experienced many developments and even subversions. Compared to Jules Bordet’s study back then, today’s understanding of complement system is beyond recognition. This article will discuss the relationship between complement and SLE.

Defects in the Complement System Lead to SLE

Congenital defects in the complement system make people more vulnerable to bacterial viruses. This is a major category of congenital immunodeficiency. Interestingly, this not only leads to a decline in resistance to pathogens, but also brings autoimmune diseases.

About 93% of C1q-deficient people will suffer from SLE. Similarly, 75% of those with C4 deficiency and over 30% of those with C2 defects also lead to SLE. Most of the C1r and C1s defecting will also result in SLE. However, due to their low prevalence, it is not appropriate to accurately determine the strength of their association. No stronger innate factors related to SLE have been found. Fortunately, the incidence of such birth defects is low.

Secondary Complement Deficiency and SLE

Bacterial infections, SLE, etc. will cause the level of complement to drop. SLE brings a lot of immune complexes, which combine with complement to cause damage to the body. This is particularly evident in lupus nephritis.

Except that the combination of immune complex and complement leads to the decrease of complement, there are also antibodies against complement. The most widely used is anti-C1q antibody. About 30% of patients with SLE have anti-C1q antibodies, and it is 68% of patients with lupus nephritis. Therefore, a positive anti-C1q antibody indicates a high possibility of lupus nephritis.

Complement-related Drugs and SLE Treatment

The complement system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The pharmaceutical industry has also developed many drugs in a targeted manner.

(1) Eculizumab

Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. The antibody binds to complement component 5 and prevents it from cleaving into C5a and C5b, and C5b is necessary to form a membrane attack complex (MAC), which is an important link for complement to participate in body damage, so eculizumab can be used to treat PNH and HUS. However, it is a pity that the clinical practical significance has not been seen in the clinical drug experiments for the treatment of SLE.

(2) Avacopan

The latest major breakthrough in the rheumatology research is Avacopan, a small molecule compound that targets the complement C5a receptor.

Recent clinical randomized double-blind controlled trials have confirmed that Avacopan can successfully replace hormones in combination with other drugs. The biggest problem of this experiment is that the number of cases participating in the experiment is not enough, and the observation time is not long enough. Can Avacopan replace hormones during SLE treatment? There is no reliable clinical controlled trial to verify.

Clinical experience tells us that compared with SLE, ANCA-associated vasculitis tends to rely more on hormones. Since ANCA-associated vasculitis can get out of hormones during treatment, it is possible to look forward to hormone replacement during SLE treatment. The complement therapeutics might the hope of the hormonal-free era of lupus treatment.

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Enhance the Value of Your Money: Invest in the Small-Cap Funds

Don’t you know that you can increase the value of your money manifold? If you already know about it, then why you are left out of the amazing world of mutual fund investments! And if you don’t have any idea about what the starting line is all about, then read below to understand the concepts of small-cap funds so that you too can reap multiple benefits from them.

What Are Small-Cap Funds?

The mutual fund schemes which invest in the stocks of small companies or basically start-ups are termed as small-cap funds. The small-cap companies are those who have a market capitalisation ranging from Rs. 500 crore to Rs. 1000 crore. There are several unique features in this category which make them the most opted one among the others. They are also known for generating high capital appreciation in the long term. Here are some of the amazing facts about the small-cap stocks which you will love to know.

Small-Cap Stocks: The Facts

Temporary Price Dis-connectivity : Mostly the small-cap schemes are known for their highly rewarding nature, but there is a contradictory fact which reveals the other face. Basically, in the initial years, the small companies keep competing for their survival in the industry. But, at that time least people bother to invest in their stocks as they do not see any growth opportunity in them. When one or the other such small company start chasing the growth, it comes under the notice of the investors. It attracts the herd to invest in these stocks, and in this way, with time it turns into a bigger entity resulting in the increase in value of the assets. The investors who stay invested in the small caps since their inception earns the utmost benefits. However, they face temporary price dis-connectivity in the initial years, they may also get enriched with extreme capital growth in the long run.
Thinly Traded Market : The small companies experience a phase in their initial stage where least people are aware of them. However, the shrewd investors know the benefits of investing in such stocks and rest remains unaware. That is why, initially, the traffic of the flocks remains less in the small cap mutual funds, and they provide a thinly traded market to the potential investors. Over time, when the value of these stocks grow, more people become aware of them and start deploying their money in them. The increasing demand for investments in these stocks kicks up their value, thus helping them achieve new heights of growth.
Hidden Gems : One of the amazing facts about the small companies is that they can be proved to be a hidden gem for you. Yes, you heard it right. They can turn your small capital investment into an impressive corpus. It is also because of the same reason that the small entities remain undiscovered from the eyes of the herd. And their growth keeps rolling over time and burst out attaining new heights in the long run. The wise investors always keep an eye on the whereabouts of the targeted small-cap stocks to reap benefits from their growth.
So, what are you going to do now? The best is to know about all the small-cap funds so that you can recognise one as per your investment requirements. Do it before you miss it! And fetch the big returns from the small-cap funds in the long-term period.

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Mount Abu: A tour to The Hill Station

Mount Abu town is the only Hill Station in the Aravalli Range. It is situated in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan near the border of Gujarat. It is located at an elevation of 1,220m(4,003ft.). It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and Gujarat for centuries. The highest peak of Mont Abu is Guru Shikar at 1,722m(5,650ft.) above the sea level. The Abu Parvat is referred as “an oasis in the dessert” as its height are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests.
The Mount Abu is one of the most beautiful Hill stations in India and is a major tourist attraction place in Rajasthan. It is one of the places in Rajasthan which you should visit if you go to Rajasthan, it is among one of the places which attracts large number of tourists.

Places to visit in Mount Abu: -
1.Nakki Lake
The Nakki Lake is one of the most romantic spots in Mount Abu. The lake has its link to the mythologies of Hindu religion. It is the first manmade lake in India with a depth of around 11,000 metres. The Nakki Lake is located in the centre of hill station, the lake is surrounded by lush greenery, mountains and strangely shaped rocks. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and photography fiends. The lake is the best place for an early morning or evening picnic. Near the lake there are a lot of tracking spots where you can have a relaxed stroll amidst serene nature or a challenging track.

2.Dilwara temple
The temple is located in the lush green Aravalli hills in Mount Abu. The Dilwara temple is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites for the Jains. It is designed by Vastupal Tejpal and built by Vimal Shah between 11th and 13th century. The Dilwara temple is renowned for the opulent use of marble and intricate carvings on every hook and corner. The temple looks quite austere from outside, but as you enter in the temple you will go head over hills with the stunning designs patterns carved on roofs. walls, archways, and pillars. The Dilwara temple includes five equally beguiling temples namely- Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshavanatha and Mahaveer Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahveer Swami and Lord Parshavantha respectively.
3. Guru Shikhar
The highest point on the Aravalli hill is Guru Shikhar, lies about 15 km from Mount Abu.it is the highest point of the Mount Abu. The height of the peak is 1722 metres from the sea level and it promises breath-taking view of the Aravalli range and Mount Abu. Guru Shikhar translate to “The peak of the Guru” and was named after Guru Dattatreya who is believed to have resided on the peak during his days as a monk.
When visited during October and November, the weather gets more cloudier and mistier. At the top of Guru Shikhar there is an age-old bell with the words ‘1411 AD’ inscribed on it. Ringing the bell after hiking all the way to the peak is an age-old bell is like announcing your achievement to the valley of Mount Abu. The sound of the bell chimes long and far.
4.Sunset Point
A destination is not complete without the sunset point, and Mount Abu is not an exception. The outlandish view of the rugged Aravalli ranges, sun kissed by the radiating rays of the setting sun is what draws scores of tourists to this picturesque location near the famous Nakki lake. It is a perfect picnic spot as one can admire the magic of the coloured sky as sun sets, painted in hues of red and orange, contrary to the rich greenery of the Aravalli range in the background.
The climate also makes it familiar to enjoy the sunset from the Mount Abu in peace without any pressure and noise of the city. The sunset point in the Mount Abu is protected by railings and has staircases build for the people to sit and soak in the tranquillity.
5.Honeymoon Point
The Honeymoon Point in Mount Abu is located at an elevation of 4000ft, offers an exquisite view of the setting sun painting the sky yellow and red. It is also known as Anadara point, this scenic location is considered an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of travel and sightseeing. The beauty lies in the backdrop of gorgeous Nakki Lake and the old Gateway to Mount Abu. This picturesque place is perfect just not for capture the sun shining at a distance but also to feel the brush of air while gazing at the endless horizon.
These are some of the major places to visit in Mount Abu for experiencing an adventures trip to the Hill station. There are many more places to visit in Mount Abu to visit. You can visit Trevor’s Park, Toad Rock, Achlagarh Village, Mount Aby Wildlife Sanctuary, Arbuda Devi Temple. Universal Peace Hall and many more places. One can contact to our travel agency in Udaipur, we Sarthi travels provides one of the best touring packages to Mount Abu. We also provide Udaipur to Mount Abu taxi services, so you can book your taxi from our agrncy.

Contact us: -
Email ID – [email protected]
Phone no. – 9829034559

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