Many people across the globe are suffering as their immune systems can no discern between healthy cells and invader micro-organisms. Immune defenses against disease that used to protect them are instead attacking their organs and tissue.
International research efforts are intensifying to combat this trend. One illustration is the London Francis Crick Institute initiative where James Lee and Carola Vinesa, two world experts in this area, have formed separate research groups to assist in determining the exact causes of autoimmune disorders.
The number of cases of autoimmune diseases began to increase about 40 years ago in the West, Lee told the Observer. But, we're now seeing some emerge in countries that never had the disease before.
For example for instance, the Middle East and East Asia are the regions that have the highest percentage of cases of inflammatory intestinal diseases. They had not seen the condition before.
Autoimmune diseases can range from type 1 diabetes to multiple MS, chronic fatigue syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In each case the immune system has its wires crossed and focuses on healthy tissue instead of the infectious agents.
These ailments have been documented in at least 4million people living in the UK. A few sufferers could be affected by multiple. Globally, it's believed that the prevalence of autoimmune diseases is rising by between 3-9% per year. This rise is believed to be caused by environmental factors, according to the majority of researchers.
Lee, who used to be situated in Cambridge University, stated that our genetic makeup has not changed in the last couple of decades. There's a possibility that something is taking place in the world outside that has increased our susceptibility to autoimmune disease.
This idea was backed by Vinuesa, who was previously based at the Australian National University. She mentioned that there were shifts in diets because more people were eating western-style meals and increasing consumption of fast food.
Vinuesa stated that fast-food meals are deficient in certain essential ingredients like fiber. Research suggests that this change could affect a person's microbiome which is the accumulation of microorganisms living in our digestive tract. Microorganisms play a crucial role in controlling many bodily functions.
The changes in our microbiomes can trigger an autoimmune disease, and more than 100 kinds are now being identified.
The two scientists also stressed that each person is susceptible to these diseases, which include celiac, Lupus, and other conditions like celiac which cause inflammation and swelling and may cause severe damage to various organs.
Vinuesa stated, "If there is no genetic susceptibility, an autoimmune disease will not necessarily be a problem regardless of the amount of Big Macs we eat." "There's not much we can prevent the world-wide expansion of fast food chains. Instead, we're trying to discover the genetic factors that cause the autoimmune diseases and why some people are at risk. We are determined to address this issue at the most fundamental degree.
This task is possible thanks to the advancement of methods which allow scientists to identify tiny differences in DNA across a large number of people. This allows them to identify common genetic patterns in people with an autoimmune disorder.
Lee explained that we did not have the technology to sequence DNA until recently. However, now we do have the incredible ability to sequence DNA on large scales, which is a major improvement in our lives. We knew only about half dozen variations of DNA that can trigger inflammatory bowel diseases when I started my research. Today, we have more than 250.
Lee and Vinuesa have been conducting this research since the beginning. Their research aims to understand the different types of diseases that doctors are currently investigating and to discover the genetic mechanisms that cause these types of diseases. Vinuesa stated that autoimmune disorders like Lupus for instance are present in a variety of forms and may have different genetic causes. This is a problem when trying to determine the most effective treatment.
Numerous new treatments are under development, and we don't know who to give these treatments to. Since we don't have a clear understanding of the exact cause of their illness there are numerous choices. This is an important aspect in research into autoimmune diseases. It is important to understand how to classify and categorize patients in order to give them the best treatment.
Lee stressed that the rising rate of autoimmune illnesses across the globe meant that new treatment and drugs were urgently required. He said that there is currently no cure for autoimmune disorders. These tend to are seen in children when they are trying to finish their studies, get work, and then start families.
The result is Click here that more people are going to need surgery, or will be required to receive regular injections for the remainder of their lives. It can be very distressing for patients, and also an enormous strain on health care system. We require new and efficient treatments.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated disease. But, it's not known what triggers this.
The immune system usually produces antibodies that attack viruses and bacteria, assisting to fight infections.
If you suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis the immune system transmits antibodies to your joints the lining of your joints, and they attack the surrounding tissues.
The thin layer (synovium), which covers your joints, could become inflamed and inflamed which releases chemicals and cause harm.
bones
Cartilage is the connective tissue between bones.
tendons - the tissue that connects bone to muscle
Ligaments These are the tissues which connects cartilage Read More and bones.
If the issue is not treated, it could lead to the loss of joint alignment and form. It could eventually cause the destruction of the joint.
Although there are numerous theories on why the immune system attacks the joint, none of them have been proven.
Possible risk factors
You could be more at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis if you do the following:
The genes you carry - There is evidence that suggests that rheumatoid joint disease can be passed down through families. However, it is not likely that you will inherit the disease. Genetics are believed to only play a minor part in the.
The condition is more prevalent for women than men. This could be due to estrogenic effects, but this isn't confirmed.
Smoking is a risk factor for rheumatoid artifiid. There is evidence to support this.