The human immune system is a complex mechanism. It consists of cells that protect it from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. It also happens that the defense system fails and it mistakenly starts attacking the cells of its own body.
Autoimmune diseases
Lymphocytes are responsible for creating antibodies that block the action of microbes, infections and other pathogens. Some of them are nurse cells. Their task is to destroy the tissues of their own body in their pathological modification. Under the influence of certain factors, the system may fail. In this case, lymphocytes begin to attack he althy cells, starting the process of self-destruction of the body.
The reasons for their aggressive behavior can be internal and external. To the firstrefers to heredity. Gene mutations can be passed down from generation to generation. Thus, if the ancestors suffered from any autoimmune disease, the probability of its occurrence is very high.
External causes are:
- negative environmental impact;
- severe and protracted nature of the course of infectious diseases.
In addition, in some cases, lymphocytes cannot distinguish their own modified cells from pathogens and attack both.
There are many autoimmune diseases with varying symptoms. Their only feature is the gradual development throughout a person's life.
The most commonly diagnosed autoimmune pathologies are:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- multiple sclerosis;
- diabetes type 1;
- vasculitis;
- lupus erythematosus;
- pemphigus;
- Graves' thyroiditis;
- myasthenia gravis;
- scleroderma;
- antiphospholipid syndrome;
- Crohn's disease;
- glomerol nephritis;
- vitiligo;
- psoriasis;
- myocarditis, etc.
The list of autoimmune pathologies is very long. Without treatment, most of them pose a serious danger to both the he alth and life of the patient. Timely diagnosis is of great importance. An important role is played by the competence of the attending physician, who for many years may not suspect the presence of an autoimmune pathology. If he doubts the diagnosis, and alarming symptomscontinue to worry, it is recommended to contact other specialists and donate blood for analysis.
In the laboratory during the research study the markers of autoimmune diseases. If an increase in the level of one of them or several at once is detected, this indicates the development of pathology.
There are a great many markers of autoimmune disease. The following are the ones with abnormal concentrations most frequently compared to others.
Increased marker for thyroid peroxidase
Not always such an analysis result is a sign of dangerous diseases. Thyroid peroxidase is a thyroid enzyme. A slight increase in its concentration may be the result of psycho-emotional stress, surgical interventions and physiotherapy in the neck. Also, its level increases with thyroid pathologies.
If the autoimmune disease marker AT TPO is elevated strongly and for a long time, this makes it possible to suspect the presence of hypothyroidism. This pathology is characterized by damage to the thyroid gland by its own immune cells. As a result, its work is disrupted, which can cause dysfunction of many organs and systems.
Elevated levels of the autoimmune disease marker AT TPO may also indicate:
- other types of thyroiditis;
- chronic renal failure;
- diabetes;
- rheumatism;
- injury to the organs of the endocrine system;
- Basedowdisease;
- postpartum thyroid disorders.
Accurate diagnosis depends on the concentration of antibodies in the blood. If an autoimmune disease is detected, its treatment will be to take hormonal drugs.
Gliadin marker increased
An increase in the concentration of immunoglobulins G and A can be a sign of connective tissue pathologies, interstitial lung diseases, maladaption syndrome. But in most cases, an elevated marker of an autoimmune disease is indicative of celiac disease. With this pathology, the mucous membrane of the small intestine is affected, which serves as a starting factor for the adhesive process and various dystrophic changes. To improve the condition, a strict gluten-free diet must be followed.
Insulin marker increased
Antibodies (AT) to this hormone indicate the destruction of pancreatic cells. An increase in the marker of an autoimmune disease in this case indicates type 1 diabetes. The result of the development of this pathology is a lack of insulin.
For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis. If the sugar level in it is increased, then the presence of the disease is confirmed. As a rule, type 1 diabetics suffer from several autoimmune pathologies at once.
Increased marker for thyroglobulin
As a result of the analysis, it is also possible to detect oncological diseases. Thyroglobulin is a precursor protein for thyroid hormones. Monitoring its level allows diagnosing various diseases of the organ at the earliest stage.
If the autoimmune disease marker AT TG is elevated, this may indicate:
- Graves' disease;
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis;
- thyroid cancer;
- diffuse nontoxic goiter.
The analysis is not informative for evaluating the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
Increased double-stranded DNA marker
Such a test result may indicate systemic lupus erythematosus. This is a common autoimmune disease, the course of which is accompanied by damage to blood vessels and connective tissue.
In addition to the increased level of the marker for double-stranded DNA, the levels of antibodies to:
- lupus anticoagulant;
- antinuclear factor;
- cardiolipin (classes G and M);
- nucleosomes.
If these autoimmune disease markers are elevated, this may also be a sign:
- rheumatism;
- myelitis;
- hemolytic anemia;
- acute leukemia;
- severe liver pathologies;
- autoimmune hepatitis;
- plasmocytomas;
- scleroderma, etc.
Prothrombin marker increased
This substance serves as a blood clotting factor. Antibodies to it interfere with the process, causing blood clots.
Ifthis marker of an autoimmune disease is elevated, this is a sign of antiphospholipid syndrome. The term is applied to a whole group of disorders:
- systemic scleroderma;
- lupus erythematosus;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- malignant diseases.
This is because antibodies produced by the immune system attack and destroy phospholipids that are part of cell membranes.
Also, with an increase in the marker to prothrombin, the likelihood of myocardial infarction increases significantly.
In conclusion
The main task of the human body's immune system is to protect it from the action of pathogenic microorganisms. Lymphocytes are responsible for this process. Under the influence of external factors or due to a gene mutation transmitted from generation to generation, a serious failure can occur in the operation of the system. As a result, defensive forces begin to attack their own cells. To date, many autoimmune diseases are known, which, if not treated in time, can lead to serious complications.
