Language
Country/Area
No result found
The mystery of APECED syndrome: Why does it trigger multiple autoimmune diseases?
Whenever the normal function of the immune system is disrupted, a series of autoimmune diseases may occur. This phenomenon occurs in every age group and situation, especially in the well-known autoimmune diseases APECED (Autoimmune Polyglandular Endocrine Syndrome), the causes of which are hidden in the mysteries of genes. APECED is caused by mutations in the AIRE gene, which regulates the expression of certain self-antigens in the immune system.
APECED causes a central loss of tolerance in the immune system, which causes the body to begin to respond inappropriately to its own antigens.
Typical APECED symptoms include fungal infections of mucous membranes and skin and a variety of endocrine autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc. As a result of the onset of these symptoms, patients often face the challenges of multimorbidity at a young age, which has a serious impact on quality of life.
In addition to APECED, there are several other syndromes related to immune dysregulation, such as IPEX syndrome and Omenn syndrome. These pathological conditions also reflect the complexity and diversity of the immune system. IPEX syndrome is related to mutations in the FOXP3 gene, which leads to impaired regulatory T cell function, leading to a variety of autoimmune diseases.
According to research, IPEX typically appears within the first few months of life and is accompanied by insulin-dependent diabetes and persistent diarrhea in infancy.
In these autoimmune diseases, various factors affecting T cell function often lead to persistent inflammatory responses and high susceptibility to infection in patients. These phenomena have prompted further exploration of the differences between the normal functioning of the immune system and its functioning under pathological conditions.
Not only genetic factors, but also environment and lifestyle profoundly affect the function of the immune system. Previous research has pointed out that chronic stress in childhood may lead to immune system disorders in adulthood. This impact may include an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Low-grade chronic inflammation caused by chronic stress may be an underlying cause of the onset of many autoimmune diseases.
As we age, our immune system also undergoes what is called immunosenescence. This process will lead to a decrease in T cell and B cell reactivity, making the elderly population less effective than young people in responding to vaccinations or infections, thus affecting their health.
An important hallmark of immunosenescence is characterized by the accumulation of memory T cells and B cells, which means that the immune system becomes less resilient after long-term antigen exposure, further reducing the ability to respond to new infections.
Clinical studies show that chronic inflammation, known as inflammation, worsens as we age, increasing the risk of infections and other health problems.
In addition to the natural aging process, exposure to toxic substances can also lead to immune system dysfunction. Studies have found that workers who are exposed to pesticides and other environmental toxins for a long time have changes in their immune systems, leading to allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.
Allergic reactions are dysregulated reactions of the immune system when faced with common substances in the environment. These reactions activate specific immune pathways and form a variety of autoimmune diseases. The occurrence of allergies is not only related to genes, but also closely related to the environmental factors experienced by the individual.
Why are autoimmune diseases more common in certain groups of people, and what secrets lie behind them? This all points to the complex regulation of the immune system and its interaction with the environment. As we face the fast-paced modern life, should we think more deeply about the health of our own immune system? Is it time to reassess the way we live our lives to better prepare ourselves for future challenges?
