AIDS and SLE: a reverse process of the same disease

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are two diseases with striking similarities as well as contrasting differences. There is evidence that AIDS and SLE have the same or similar viruses as their etiologic agent. Genetic, clinical and immunological studies suggest that the two diseases are the same, with their only difference being the stimulatory effects of the AIDS virus on cortisol production versus the inhibitory effects of the proposed SLE virus on cortisol production. Possible mechanisms of the disease process for both AIDS and SLE are discussed, as well as proposed treatments for AIDS, including the use of procainamide and ascorbic acid.