Environmental Factors in Autoimmune Diseases

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What is one of the mechanisms by which environmental factors induce autoimmunity?

Immune system overactivation

Genetic mutations

Hormonal imbalances

Epigenetic changes (correct)

What is the result of exposure of DNA and small nuclear ribonucleoproteins to UV-B radiation?

Changes to the conformation and location of DNA and snRNPs (correct)

Inhibition of autoreactive lymphocytes

Activation of immune complexes

Production of novel antigens

What is the effect of environmental toxins on the immune system?

Activation of autoreactive lymphocytes (correct)

Production of antibodies

Inhibition of cytokine production

Suppression of immune responses

What is the link between certain chemical agents and autoimmune diseases?

They trigger the onset of particular systemic symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for interpreting findings at diagnosis with findings at initiation?

To understand the development of ADs Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of exposure to UV radiation in patients with SLE?

Flare-ups of disease Signup and view all the answers

How many phases are involved in the development of ADs?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of epigenetic changes in autoimmune diseases?

They contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger the initiation phase of ADs?

Abnormalities in tolerance induction Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the propagation phase of ADs?

Feed-forward cycle of autoimmunity and tissue damage Signup and view all the answers

What can occur during the propagation phase of ADs?

Immunoregulatory pathways activation Signup and view all the answers

How are ADs usually categorized?

As organ-specific or systemic or both Signup and view all the answers

What type of infections can provoke the initiation of systemic autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed individuals?

Viral, bacterial, and mycoplasma infections Signup and view all the answers

What can a severe bacterial or viral infection trigger in individuals with autoimmune diseases?

An increase in autoreactive antibodies Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of many autoimmune diseases in both humans and experimental animal models?

Females are more susceptible to autoimmune conditions Signup and view all the answers

What do researchers hypothesize about the role of hormones in autoimmune diseases?

Hormones play a significant role in the sex-based susceptibility to autoimmune diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is often abnormal in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?

Estrogen metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of many autoimmune diseases in terms of regional and ethnic differences?

They vary in incidence by region or ethnic group Signup and view all the answers