Autoimmune diseases: when the immune system attacks us

Our health is guarded by an extraordinary army - the immune system. Usually, it recognizes enemies, e.g. viruses, and fights them effectively. But he has moments of weakness. Then it attacks its own tissues. These are autoimmune diseases: cancer (thymoma, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia), rheumatism.

An aggressive reaction of the immune system to its own cells does not always end in disease. On the contrary, in many situations quick intervention is necessary. The vigilance of the defense system awakens when a tissue is damaged and changes its features, e.g. as a result of the aging process. He sees it immediately and starts working. It triggers complex repair mechanisms. It destroys the old cell to make room for new and healthy tissue. Before such cleanings begin, it therefore causes a slight inflammation and produces antibodies against the altered tissues. This is nothing extraordinary. In the blood of every healthy person, there are autoantibodies which - simplifying - keep order in the body. This is called immune system tolerance.

Where do autoimmune diseases come from?

Until recently, it was believed that under the influence of unknown factors, the immune system completely loses its orientation. He then recognizes that all cells of an organ are dangerous to the body. It immediately starts producing antibodies to destroy it. In such a situation, many autoimmune diseases, commonly known as autoimmune diseases, develop. Today scientists look at this problem differently. The immune system is right, it attacks when needed. Whenever the tolerance is broken, that is, when there is an excess of abnormal cells in the body.

How does it happend?

Bacteria, viruses or fungi can enter the body, which have the ability to connect with the cells of our body and create with them complex antigens (piggy back). Such a complex is an invisible combination of its cell and, for example, a virus. The virus sits like a piggyback on the cell and therefore spreads freely. But such a scam only works for a while. As the changed cells start to multiply and there are more and more of them, the immune system starts working. It destroys them to save the whole body. Unfortunately for us, it usually ends with the development of the disease. However, it is not entirely clear why such situations occur. Scientists speculate that genes are to blame, but convincing evidence is still lacking. It is known, however, that the element triggering an attack on one's own tissues may be a viral or bacterial infection, severe stress, and even prolonged exposure to the sun.

Important

Defense cells

In order to survive, the human body produces cells specialized in the fight against the forces that threaten it. This defensive army consists of leukocytes, or white blood cells - macrophages (produced in the bone marrow) and T cells (from the thymus). Not only do they annihilate microorganisms that came from outside, but they are also designed to eliminate our own cells: those that are aging and affected by disease. It happens, however, that they attack healthy cells, causing diseases called auto-aggressive.

Differently pregnant

Interesting information about autoimmune diseases is provided by the observations of pregnant women. During this particular period, the immune system is less alert. It does not fight foreign tissues, such as sperm or fetus. It is therefore expected that this helps to ease the symptoms of some diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) and make the symptoms of others (e.g. lupus) worse. Scientists believe that this is due to the interaction that occurs between the sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone) and the so-called T cells (a type of white blood cell) and the fluctuations in the levels of these cells in the blood that occur at different times in pregnancy.

What research?

There are no specific tests to determine the risk of autoimmune diseases. Some researchers hope for their early recognition in genetic research. But it's a song of the future. For now, doctors have to be content with extended blood tests (including hand-made smears that show the size and structure of white and red blood cells), hormone tests, extended liver enzyme tests, or biopsy.

Autoimmune Diseases - Long List

So far, scientists have identified about 80 autoimmune diseases. Their common feature is that they appear suddenly, usually even before the age of 30. Although it is still unknown why they attack young women many times more often. Most of the diseases in this group are incurable or very difficult to treat. There is no full agreement among scientists as to which diseases should be included in the group of autoimmune diseases. However, it has been assumed that these are diseases that are based on excessive activity of the immune system. These include, for example, rheumatic diseases.

Certain cases of male infertility are also a result of the aggression of the immune system, which in this case produces antibodies that clump sperm. They cannot move and therefore fertilization does not take place. When the immune system attacks the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, or lymph nodes, cancer can develop, including thymoma, Hodgkin's disease, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Who is at risk of autoimmune diseases?

Medicine does not yet have studies that can assess the predisposition to autoimmune diseases. But it is already known that many diseases are preceded by viral infections, even as banal as a cold. We can protect ourselves against them by vaccinating, for example against influenza, and by following the schedule of preventive vaccinations. If your family has had autoimmune diseases, it is worth talking to your doctor about it.

He will certainly tell you which additional vaccinations we can use, for example against rubella or hepatitis A and B. You should also just take care of yourself, eat properly, do not overdo alcohol, do check-ups every few years. It is also important not to underestimate your malaise. Let's not go to work with a cold or strep throat, you have to lay it down. And if we are unlucky and have an autoimmune disease, treatment should begin as soon as possible. Only then do we have a chance that it will not wreak too much havoc in our body.

Prevention of autoimmune diseases

Improper diet, alcohol abuse and smoking greatly weaken the functioning of the immune system. The toxins contained in nicotine are especially dangerous. They can disorient the immune system so effectively that it starts destroying its cells. Similar reactions may occur with a significant deficiency of vitamins, especially A, C and E, and minerals. It is also worth remembering that when the body is rested and well nourished, it can cope with any infection and self-aggression more easily. The body's immunity is also weakened by stressful situations.

The defense system is closely related to the nervous system. Nervousness disrupts their cooperation. To prevent this from happening, you need to spend some time relaxing each day. And it's important to ensure a healthy sleep: you need to sleep in a well-ventilated and darkened room (approx. 8 hours of sleep a day).