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Everything To Know About Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which your immune system mistakenly damages healthy cells in your body. Types include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and some thyroid conditions.
Your immune system usually protects you from diseases and infections. When it senses these pathogens, it creates specific cells to target foreign cells.
Usually, your immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and your cells.
But if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakes parts of your body, such as your joints or skin, as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells.
Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ. Type 1 diabetes damages your pancreas. Other conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, can affect your whole body.
Below we provide an overview of some of the most common autoimmune diseases.
Doctors don't know exactly what causes the immune system to misfire. Yet some people are more likely to get an autoimmune disease than others.
Some factors that may increase your risk of developing an autoimmune disease can include:
Different autoimmune diseases may have similar early symptoms. These can include:
With some autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), symptoms may come and go. A period of symptoms is called a flare up. A period when the symptoms go away is called remission.
Individual autoimmune diseases can also have their own unique symptoms depending on the body systems affected. For example, with type 1 diabetes, you may experience extreme thirst and weight loss. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may cause bloating and diarrhea.
Researchers have identified more than 100 autoimmune diseases. Here are 14 more common ones.
1. Type 1 diabetesYour pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
High blood sugar from type 1 diabetes can damage the blood vessels and organs. This can include your:
In RA, your immune system attacks the joints. This causes symptoms affecting the joints such as:
While RA more commonly affects people as they get older, it can also start as early as your 30s. A related condition, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, can start in childhood.
3. Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritisSkin cells grow and then shed when they're no longer needed. Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply too quickly. The extra cells build up and form inflamed patches. On lighter skin tones, patches may appear red with silver-white scales of plaque. On darker skin tones, psoriasis may appear purplish or dark brown with gray scales.
Up to 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis. This can cause joint symptoms that include:
4. Multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) damages the protective coating surrounding nerve cells (myelin sheath) in your central nervous system. Damage to the myelin sheath slows the transmission speed of messages between your brain and spinal cord to and from the rest of your body.
This damage can lead to:
Different forms of MS progress at different rates. Difficulties with walking are one of the most common mobility issues with MS.
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)Although doctors in the 1800s first described lupus as a skin disease because of the rash it commonly produces, the systemic form, which is most common, actually affects many organs. This can include your:
Common symptoms can include:
IBD describes conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestinal wall. Each type of IBD affects a different part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Common symptoms of IBD can include:
Addison's disease affects the adrenal glands, which produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone as well as androgen hormones. Too little cortisol can affect how your body uses and stores carbohydrates and sugar (glucose). Too little aldosterone can lead to sodium loss and excess potassium in your bloodstream.
Common symptoms of Addison's disease can include:
Graves' disease attacks the thyroid gland in your neck, causing it to produce too much of its hormones. Thyroid hormones control the body's energy usage, known as metabolism.
Having too much of these hormones revs up your body's activities, causing symptoms that may include:
Some people with Graves' disease may also experience symptoms affecting the skin (Graves' dermopathy) or eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy).
9. Sjögren's diseaseThis condition attacks the glands that provide lubrication to your eyes and mouth.
The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren's disease are dry eyes and dry mouth, but it may also affect your joints or skin.
10. Hashimoto's thyroiditisIn Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid hormone production slows to a deficiency. Common symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis can include:
11. Myasthenia gravisMyasthenia gravis affects nerve impulses that help the brain control muscles. When the communication from nerves to muscles is impaired, signals can't direct the muscles to contract.
The most common symptom is muscle weakness. It may worsen with activity and improve with rest. Muscle weakness can also affect:
People with celiac disease can't eat foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and other grain products. When gluten is in the small intestine, the immune system attacks this part of the GI tract and causes inflammation.
People with celiac disease may experience digestive issues after consuming gluten. Symptoms can include:
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, celiac disease affects about 1% of people in the world.
13. Autoimmune vasculitisAutoimmune vasculitis happens when your immune system attacks blood vessels. The inflammation that results narrows your arteries and veins, allowing less blood to flow through them.
14. Pernicious anemiaPernicious anemia may happen when an autoimmune disorder causes your body to not produce enough of a substance called intrinsic factor. Having a deficiency in this substance reduces the amount of vitamin B12 your small intestine absorbs from food. It can cause a low red blood cell count.
Without enough of this vitamin, you'll develop anemia, and your body's ability for proper DNA synthesis will be altered.
It can cause symptoms that include:
This rare autoimmune disease typically occurs in people ages 60 to 70 and older.
What are 5 common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder?Some autoimmune disorders can have similar symptoms at early stages. These can include fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, low grade fever, muscle aches, and swelling.
What is the most serious autoimmune disease?Many researchers recognize giant cell myocarditis, a rare autoimmune condition that can lead to heart failure, as one of the most serious autoimmune diseases. It has a 1-year mortality rate of 70%.
What are the most common autoimmune disorders?The most common autoimmune diseases are psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation: 5 Best Treatment Options For Arthritis Induced Joint Pain
VERIFIED Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation: 5 Best Treatment Options for Arthritis Induced Joint Pain Say goodbye to arthritis-induced joint pain and inflammation with these treatment options that are easily available in the hospitals in India. Around 18 million people suffered from rheumatoid arthritis in 2009, and 70% of them were women. Often considered a condition affecting only the elderly, it can have a profound impact on young adults. In a survey conducted on more than 1lac patients, Redcliffe Labs found elevated levels of rheumatoid factor in nearly 12% of individuals aged 26 to 40. Since this health condition can cause serious health impacts and may impact the lifestyle while hampering daily activities, it is crucial to understand its diagnostic aspects. Studies suggest that timely diagnosis can help control the symptoms and disease progression.
Today, on World Arthritis Day, Dr. Sohini Sengupta, Medical Director, Redcliffe Labs, tells us about the best treatment options for arthritis-induced joint pain and inflammation, available in India.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that majorly causes joint discomfort. It can affect other body parts like skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This autoimmune disorder emerges when the immune system mistakenly targets one's body tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts the lining of joints, leading to painful swelling that may ultimately result in bone erosion and joint deformity. This inflammation is the root cause of the damage it can inflict on other organs. Although there have been significant advancements in treatment, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still lead to physical disabilities.
Rheumatoid Arthritis TreatmentWhile the exact cause remains uncertain, genetics, smoking, and family history, among others, are some factors that can set off the health condition. Early diagnosis is one of the key factors that can help manage the symptoms. Adults between the ages of 25 to 40 are at a crucial productive stage, and it is crucial to identify the disease to preserve joint health. Chances are that the earlier it is identified, the probability of preventing long-term joint damage and ensuring an active, pain-free life increases. Delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible joint destruction and increased disability.
Clinical evaluation and diagnostic methodsThe first step in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is the clinical assessment of the symptoms. Some symptoms include joint pain and stiffness on both sides of the body. Individuals may also experience inflamed joints and rheumatoid nodules or lumps in pressure-prone bony areas like elbows. In most cases, it also leads to fatigue and feeling unwell. In the last decade or so, advanced diagnostic tests have been playing a crucial role in timely intervention:
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)This blood test checks for RF, an antibody in many people with rheumatoid arthritis. Along with this, doctors use other tests and evaluations to diagnose the condition.
Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (anti-CCP)It detects anti-CCP antibodies, which can appear before the onset of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, aiding early diagnosis. This test is more sensitive than RF Factor Test and useful in the early prognosis.
Complete Blood CountIt measures different blood cell counts and can help diagnose anaemia, often seen in RA patients.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-reactive ProteinIt assesses inflammation and helps diagnose and monitor disease activity.
To assess joint damage, imaging tests, including X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound, are commonly used. X-rays are particularly useful in monitoring disease progression, while advanced techniques like MRI and ultrasound can diagnose RA in its early stages and assess disease severity.
Holistic Approach For Managing Rheumatoid ArthritisIndividuals experiencing suggestive symptoms must seek medical attention promptly, as early intervention can significantly improve their quality of life and long-term prognosis. Beyond diagnostic tests, embracing a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and adopting a healthy lifestyle like limiting alcohol and quitting smoking to manage rheumatoid arthritis effectively. These proactive measures are vital for sustaining lifelong joint well-being and overall health.
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New Nanoparticles Found To Be Effective For The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
A team of scientists has developed a new solution for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The work has been published in Nature Nanotechnology.
RA is a chronic disease that, unfortunately, has no cure. The disease triggers a mix of troublesome symptoms like inflamed joints, harmful cytokines, and immune system imbalances, which work together to create a relentless cycle of worsening symptoms. While targeting some of these factors can provide short-term relief, others remain unresolved, leading to a frustrating cycle of remission and flare-ups.
One of the major hurdles in RA treatment is the inability to restore the immune system to its healthy state. This leaves the body unable to control the continuous production of harmful substances like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines, leading to persistent inflammation and discomfort.
In essence, the ideal treatment for RA should not only provide immediate relief from inflammation and symptoms but also address the root cause by restoring the immune system to its normal, balanced state.
The new platform involves immobilizing ceria nanoparticles (Ce NPs) onto mesenchymal stem cell-derived nanovesicles (MSCNVs). Both of these components can hinder different pathogenic factors, allowing them to work both individually and cooperatively to achieve a comprehensive treatment.
Ce NPs can scavenge the overproduced ROS in RA-inflicted knee joints. They also induce polarization of M1 macrophages into M2, achieving immediate relief of inflammation and symptoms.
MSCNVs deliver immunomodulatory cytokines, which turn dendritic cells (DC) into tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs). This consequently generates regulatory T cells for long-term immune tolerance.
In short, this approach aims to bridge both innate and adaptive immunity to achieve both short-term pain relief, as well as convert the tissue environment into an immune-tolerant state to prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
Researchers confirmed the efficacy of this approach using a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model. The Ce-MSCNV system was able to comprehensively treat and prevent RA by simultaneously relieving the immediate and restoring T cell immunity. Supporting data suggest that improvement in conditions can be achieved after only a single-dose treatment.
The mice treated with the Ce-MSCNV combination fared far better compared to the ones only treated using the Ce NP or MSCNV group. This clearly demonstrates the synergy between anti-inflammation and immunomodulation and underlines the importance of the combined therapy for effective RA treatment. In addition, Ce-MSCNV administration prior to booster injection markedly reduced the incidence and severity of symptoms, supporting the prophylactic potential of these nanoparticles.
The research team was led by Koo Sagang from the Seoul National University and Center for Nanoparticle Research within the Institue for Basic Science Center (IBS), in collaboration with researchers from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Seoul National University.
First author Koo Sagang stated, "One of the hardest decisions in intractable disease therapy is determining how long the treatment should be carried on. For RA, it would not be appropriate to stop treatment just because the target marker is stabilized. A safer indicator should be that the innate and adaptive components of the collapsed immune system are normalized to protect the body."
Koo believes that the strategy adopted by Ce-MSCNVs, where different treatment mechanisms work together, provides a unique advantage in this regard. Furthermore, she predicts that a similar approach would also be applicable to other intractable, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases for this purpose. The components within the system may also be modified. For example, other catalysts for generating ROS or other cell-derived nanovesicles could be utilized depending on the types of diseases.
Overall, this study proves the potential of a hybrid nanoparticle system for the comprehensive treatment of autoimmune disease and modulation of the immune system.
More information: Koo Sagang et al, Ceria-vesicle nanohybrid therapeutic for modulation of innate and adaptive immunity in a collagen-induced arthritis model, Nature Nanotechnology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01523-y
Citation: New nanoparticles found to be effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (2023, October 26) retrieved 29 October 2023 from https://phys.Org/news/2023-10-nanoparticles-effective-treatment-rheumatoid-arthritis.Html
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