Autoimmune Disease Risk Factors Lecture PDF

Risk factors that induced autoimmune diseases Autoimmune disease is a term used to describe more than 80 disorders in which immune system attacks its own cells and tissues, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism), Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism), type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthriti...

Risk factors that induced autoimmune diseases Autoimmune disease is a term used to describe more than 80 disorders in which immune system attacks its own cells and tissues, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism), Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism), type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. While each of the many types is unique in its disease mechanism, they all ultimately represent an immune system gone awry. The bulk of evidence suggests that genetics plays a central role in combination with external factors such as environment, lifestyle, and even past infections. Gender Overall, 78% of people affected by autoimmune disease are female . Regarding specific conditions, up to 95% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s syndrome patients are female Other conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS) occur in females around 60% more than in males . Factors that differ between sexes like the additional  X chromosome  certain hormonal changes  reproductive function  effects of environmental agents  organ vulnerability could all have a hand in the higher autoimmune disease prevalence in females. Genetics Genetics can play a role in autoimmunity, meaning the person may have a higher chance of developing autoimmunity if someone in the family has had it. However, this does not mean he will develop an autoimmune disease, part of this has to do with epigenetics (the ability to “turn off” bad genes and “turn on” good ones). The way that particular gene is expressed can be altered via the epigenome – a layer of chemical tags that sits on top of DNA. Genes are influenced by environment such as diet, toxins, stress, hormones, inflammation, and more. Having a genetic predisposition towards autoimmunity means that the risk is higher due to an inherited genetic variation – one that may impact immune response. When environmental triggers – such as toxic chemicals, infections or other physical traumas, intestinal dysbiosis, or dietary factors – interact with the epigenome, they have the ability to activate or deactivate parts of the genome through complex chemical reactions. It is only when the body is overwhelmed with triggers, the genes that predispose you to autoimmunity can get turned on and start an autoimmune process. Suddenly you are experiencing an array of symptoms that you didn’t have before because your body is triggered and trying to protect itself. If you're concerned about family history, you can ask your healthcare provider about undergoing a panel of screening tests: the antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test and immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, and IgM tests. The results may be able to reveal your risk of certain disorders and provide you the impetus to seek further testing or take preventive measures. Having an autoimmune disease When you already exhibit one autoimmune disease, you’re at risk to develop more. An accumulation of three or more autoimmune conditions is called Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome , which is seen in roughly 25% of patients . It is common for individuals with certain conditions like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s, or Sjogren’s to exhibit Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome. The reason is likely due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Diet Diet has a major impact on human health. Increasing urbanization and industrialization over the years have caused significant changes in lifestyle and diet. The potential link between diet and autoimmune diseases is suggested by the coincidence of a recent increase in both: the number of autoimmune disorders and the consumption of high processed food. There are several nutritional factors that may play an important role in the autoimmune response development, such as fatty acids, cow’s milk, gluten, iodine excess, vitamin D deficiency, or obesity Nutrient Deficiencies Some of the key nutrients that can balance an overactive immune response and halt tissue damage include: Vitamin D – many people diagnosed with autoimmune disorders have vitamin D deficiencies. Vitamin D can help support a healthy immune response and may help increase T cell circulation. Glutathione – known as the master antioxidant, it can help rid the body of toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals. Low levels of glutathione can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor nutrition, stress, aging, and environmental toxins. Glutathione reduces oxidative stress, protects against cell damage, supports Treg cell function, and helps with insulin resistance. Omega -3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids –These are essential fats that everyone needs. They cannot be made in the body – they must be obtained from food. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contain immune regulatory functions and have a range of benefits for many different immune cells in our body including regulating the production and secretion of cytokines, anti-inflammatory properties, and modulating T cell activation. Autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis are a sign that the immune system is in overdrive and needs to be healed and rebalanced. Most people with autoimmunity are deficient in the basic nutrients needed to regulate the immune system. Estrogen Dominance Hormone imbalances can be a root cause of autoimmunity. Excess estrogen is pro-inflammatory and can increase autoimmune process. Chronic inflammation due to estrogen dominance pushes the immune system balance towards more of a Th17 response, which is at the root cause of tissue destruction in autoimmune diseases. Stress also impacts hormone balance. Progesterone is a precursor to cortisol and helps balance out the effects of estrogen in the body. However, in chronic stress the demand for cortisol is high, and progesterone can be depleted rapidly. When progesterone runs low, even normal levels of estrogen can be inflammatory because they are not balanced out by progesterone. Hormonal imbalances examples: •Cortisol or adrenal dysfunction •Low DHEA •Estrogen dominance •Low progesterone •Androgen imbalances, such as low testosterone or high dihydrotestosterone •Hypothyroidism •Insulin resistance Obesity Given that roughly 35% of the global population are overweight or obese , it is critical that we recognize the relationship between obesity and other chronic conditions like autoimmune disease. Excess weight is associated with over ten autoimmune diseases and may be implicated in others . It has been found to increase the risk of developing autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis . Fat – or adipose tissue – is involved in many physiological functions, including metabolism and immune system response. When adipose tissue accumulates and becomes dysfunctional, it can lead to increased or dysregulated secretion of compounds called adipokines . In this case, these bioactive substances tend to be pro-inflammatory and significantly alter immune system function. In other words, obesity sends the body into a chronic state of low-grade inflammation and can threaten an otherwise healthy immune response. Research in this area is ongoing, but we are discovering that these factors (and potentially others, like alteration of the gut microbiota and intestinal dysbiosis) can lead to organ damage, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune conditions. SMOKING AND EXPOSURE TO TOXIC AGENTS It is widely known that smoking cigarettes is not a healthy practice and can lead to cancer. Now, researchers are discovering that smoking is a risk factor in more than just respiratory conditions. Smoking has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases . Why? When you burn tobacco, thousands of chemicals are produced – some of which are known to be toxic. Inhaling that smoke impacts the immune system through various complex interactions, including inflammatory responses, immune suppression, dysregulation of cytokines (signaling molecules involved in autoimmunity), and the development of autoantibodies . Exposure to other toxins like air pollutants, crystalline silica, ultraviolet radiation, or organic solvents are also associated with the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis . Moreover, a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity further increases your risk. Many toxic agents have the ability to alter gene expression. In a nutshell, they can activate an otherwise repressed gene or deactivate an active one, leading to disease. Some of the toxins and chemicals that can trigger autoimmune disease include: •Drugs and medications •Silica •Asbestos •Adulterated rapeseed oil •Iodine •Trichloroethylene •Metals and heavy metals •TCDD •Dioxin •Pesticides •Fungicides •Mineral oil •Cosmetics •Artificial sweeteners •Monosodium glutamate (MSG) CERTAIN MEDICATIONS Many people take pharmaceuticals on a daily basis to decrease blood pressure, manage depression and anxiety, or balance cholesterol levels. And it’s common knowledge that these drugs have potential side effects. We’re discovering that in some cases, these side effects involve immune system function, and will trigger autoimmune reactions. Certain blood pressure medications, statins, and antibiotics can trigger druginduced autoimmune conditions like lupus or autoimmune hepatitis. INFECTIONS Early exposure to certain infections increases the susceptibility to autoimmune disease. The presence of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which tends to present as a mild illness in childhood and then turn dormant, is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome . This has been noted with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and rheumatoid arthritis. Not only are EBV-induced antibodies higher in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but they also target and attack the same types of protein found on the surface of the virus and joint tissues. This suggests that EBV may instigate autoimmunity simply as a result of "mistaken identity" and inadvertently give rise to RA-specific autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor Another infectious microorganism – a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus – can trigger heart, joint, and brain-related autoimmune disease including acute rheumatic fever , glomerionephritits and rheumatic heart disease due to sharing antigen These viruses interact with genetics through a variety of mechanisms. In short, they can turn on certain genes that impact the immune system’s ability to differentiate between self and non-self, triggering an autoimmune reaction. SARS-CoV-2 virus is associated with autoimmune disease in various ways, although researchers are still investigating the relationship. COVID-19 infection has been reported to trigger cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus, and other diseases. Intestinal dysbiosis –large intestines have an overgrowth of bad bacteria, fungus, parasites, or there aren’t enough good bacteria. There is a close interaction between gut microbiome and autoimmune disease. Dysbiosis is characterized by a disruption to the microbiome resulting in an imbalance in the microbiota, changes in their functional composition and metabolic activities, or a shift in their local distribution. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – Overgrowth of gut bacteria from large intestines getting into small intestines. SIBO is common in autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma, celiac disease, and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. DECREASE YOUR RISK In some cases, such as being born female, your inherent level of risk cannot be controlled. On the upside, there are a number of ways to avoid the accumulation of multiple risk factors and help prevent the onset of chronic illness or additional diseases, including: •Eating a nutrient-dense diet and limiting processed foods •Incorporating physical movement into your daily life •Keeping up with the latest information about your medications •Paying attention to environmental toxins and your exposure to them •Avoiding cigarettes Common symptoms of autoimmune disease Autoimmune diseases take many different forms; many of them share similar symptoms. Normal side effects of immune system sickness include: An autoimmune disease is a condition in which immune system attacks body. It can cause fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin issues, abdominal pain, or digestive issues. It can also cause a swollen glands.