Advancements on the Impact of Hydroxychloroquine in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Overview

Journal Heliyon

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2024 May 7

PMID 38711668

Authors

Liu Peng-Cheng

Lv Meng-Na

Li Jian-Bin

Yu Shu-Jiao

Rui Wu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has gained significant attention as a therapeutic option for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because of its multifaceted mechanism of action. It is a lipophilic, lysosomotropic drug, that easily traverses cell membranes and accumulates in lysosomes. Once accumulated, HCQ alkalizes lysosomes within the cytoplasm, thereby disrupting their function and interfering with processes like antigen presentation. Additionally, HCQ has shown potential in modulating T-cell responses, inhibiting cytokine production, and influencing Toll-like receptor signaling. Its immunomodulatory effects have generated interest in its application for autoimmune disorders. Despite its established efficacy, uncertainties persist regarding the optimal therapeutic concentrations and their correlation with adverse effects such as retinal toxicity. Therefore, standardized dosing and monitoring guidelines are crucial. In this study, we provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms, efficacy, dosing variations, and retinal toxicity profiles of HCQ, which are essential to optimize SLE treatment protocols and ensure patient safety.

Citing Articles

Late-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Mruthyunjaya P, Ahmed S, Botabekova A, Baimukhamedov C, Zimba O Rheumatol Int. 2025; 45(1):29.

PMID: 39812833 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05784-1.

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