All over the world, people suffer more from pain due to the fact that their immune systems cannot distinguish between healthy cells from invader microorganisms. They are being attacked by defenses against disease that used to protect them.
International research efforts are increasing to counter this trend. One illustration is the London Francis Crick Institute initiative where James Lee and Carola Vinesa, two world experts in this field, have established separate research groups that will aid in determining the precise causes of autoimmune disorders.
Lee explained to the Observer that the occurrence of autoimmune diseases began to rise around 40 years ago in Western countries. We are seeing new cases in countries where the diseases were not seen before.
The Middle East and East Asia have seen the highest rise in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disorders. The patients had never encountered the disease prior to.
Type 1 diabetes is one of the autoimmune diseases. Other ailments include rheumatoid, inflammatory bowel and multiple sclerosis. In all cases, the immune system is triggered to attack healthy tissues, not infectious agents.
These ailments have been documented by at least 4 million people in the UK. Some sufferers may be affected by multiple. Internationally, it is now thought that cases of autoimmune illnesses are increasing between 3% and 9% a year. Many scientists believe that environmental factors play a major part in this increase.
Human genetics hasn't altered over the last several decades, said Lee who was working at Cambridge University. Something must be taking place outside that is increasing the risk of developing autoimmune disorders.
This idea was backed by Vinuesa, who was previously located at the Australian National University. She noted that there were shifts in diets when more people ate western meals, as well as more fast food.
Vinuesa explains that many fast food foods lack important ingredients like fiber. This could alter the microbiome of a person, that is the accumulation of of microorganisms found in our bodies and which plays a critical role in controlling different bodily functions.
Changes in our microbiomes trigger an autoimmune condition, and over 100 have been identified.
Both researchers emphasized that individual vulnerability was a factor in the development of such illnesses, ailments that also comprise celiac diseases as well as lupus. Lupus causes swelling and inflammation that can cause damage to different organs, such as the heart.
"If you don't have specific genetic susceptibility to autoimmune disease, you won't necessarily get an autoimmune disease, no matter how many Big Macs you consume," said Vinuesa. "We can do little Check out to slow the growth of fast-food restaurants around the world. Instead, we're focused on the genetic elements which cause autoimmune illnesses. We're trying to figure out what makes certain individuals more susceptible than others. This is the way we intend to tackle the issue."
This task is possible thanks to the development of techniques that now allow scientists to pinpoint tiny DNA differences between large numbers of people. It allows us to identify the common genetic traits in people with autoimmune diseases.
Lee claims that, although we had the technology for sequencing DNA to an extent up to a point however, it was not possible. My research revealed that there were around six DNA variants that were involved in the trigger of inflammatory bowel disease. Now we know of over 250.
Lee and Vinuesa have been pursuing this research because they wish to learn more about how genetic pathways work and the underlying causes of the diverse diseases that doctors are currently studying. Vinuesa claims that it's now clear that there are various types of autoimmune diseases like Lupus. They could all result from different genetic pathways. And that has a consequence when trying to find the right treatment.
Many new therapies are being developed Read More and we don't know who we should give them to. Since we don't know their specific disease there are numerous choices. This is a major goal in autoimmune research. It is essential to understand how to classify and stratify patients, so that we can provide them with the appropriate therapy.
Lee said that the increasing incidence of autoimmune diseases around the globe meant that innovative drugs and treatments were urgently needed. There are no current treatments for autoimmune diseases that typically affect young people, while they're trying to find their first job, complete the school year, and also raise their families.
This means that more and more of patients will need to undergo surgery or have regular injections. This can be extremely stressful for patients, and also a huge strain on the health care system. We need new and effective treatments.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune conditionthat is caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. This is an unanswered mystery.
Your immune system naturally produces antibodies to combat bacteria and viruses.
Rheumatoid arthritis refers to a condition that affects your immune system and creates antibodies for your joints. They attack the tissue surrounding the joint.
The thin layer, called synovium, of cells that cover your joints to become sore. It also releases chemicals that can cause injury nearby.
bones
Cartilage – The connective tissue that is stretchy and connects bones
Tendons - The muscle tissue that connects bone and muscle
ligaments - the tissue which connects cartilage to bone
If rheumatoid isn't treated, the chemicals slowly cause the joint lose its shape. These chemicals could eventually lead to the degeneration of the joint in its entirety.
There have been many theories about why the immune response targets joints. For example, an infection might be a trigger. But none theory is proved.
Possible risk factors
Rheumatoid arthritis can result from a range of reasons, such as:
Genetics - Some evidence suggests that rheumatoid arthritis may be passed down through families. But, it's unlikely that you'll inherit the condition. Genes are thought to play a small part in the.
Hormone-Rheumatoid Ailment is more frequent for women than men. This could be due to the estrogenic effects, but this isn't confirmed.
Smoking is a risk factor. Some research suggests that smokers are more at risk of developing rheumatoidarthritis.