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Our he alth is guarded by an extraordinary army - the immune system. Usually, it unmistakably 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.

Aggressive reactionof the immune systemtowards one's own cells does not always end in illness. On the contrary, in many situations prompt 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 way for new and he althy tissue. Before such cleanings begin, it therefore causes a slight inflammation and produces antibodies against the changed tissues. It's nothing fancy. In the blood of every he althy 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, manyautoimmune diseasesdevelop, which are commonly called autoimmune diseases. Today scientists look at this problem differently. The immune system is right, it attacks when it's needed. Whenever the tolerance is broken, that is, when there is an excess of abnormal cells in the body.

How does this happen? Bacteria, viruses and fungi can enter the body, which have the ability to connect with the cells of our body and create complex antigens (piggy back) with them. 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 begin to multiply and there are more and more of them, the immune system takes overto act. 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

The human body, in order to survive, 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 destroy 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 he althy cells, causing diseases called auto-aggressive ones.

Differently pregnant

Interesting information about autoimmune diseases is provided by 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 makes the symptoms of some diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) milder and 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 during pregnancy.

What kind of 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 a hand-made smear that shows the size and structure of white and red blood cells), hormone tests, extended liver enzyme tests, or a biopsy.

Autoimmune diseases - long list

So far, scientists have recognized about 80 diseases with autoimmunity. 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 which are based on excessive activity of the immune system.They include, for example, rheumatic diseases. Certain cases of male infertility are also the result of 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 any research 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, e.g. against influenza, and by following the schedule of preventive vaccinations. If your family has a history of 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 tonsillitis, you have to lie down. And if we are unlucky and have an autoimmune disease, treatment should begin as soon as possible. Only then 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 confuse 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. Their 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 he althy sleep: you need to sleep in a well-ventilated and darkened room (approx. 8 hours of sleep a day).

"Zdrowie" monthly

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth.She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Immune system