Allergy and immunology
Article Abstract:
High blood levels of IgE are associated with allergies and asthma and these diseases also have a hereditary component. Two studies have shown that IgE production and bronchial hyperresponsiveness such as that seen in asthma are linked to the q31-33 region on chromosome 5. The most likely genes in that region that could contribute to IgE production and bronchial hyperresponsiveness are the genes for interleukins 4, 5, 9 and 13. The Fas receptor has also been the subject of research because when it binds to its ligand, it induces programmed cell death. This could be one of the mechanisms whereby T cells that react to self are destroyed in the thymus. Some tumors may also have Fas receptors, which they might use to evade the immune system. There is also much research on the mechanism whereby helper T cells switch between type TH1 and TH2. This seems to be mediated partly by interleukins, including IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Immunologic aspects of endocrine diseases
Article Abstract:
Many common endocrine disorders are caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body produces antibodies against its own tissues. Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) is characterized by the production of antibodies against thyroglobulin and other thyroid proteins. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in 10% of pregnant women and may lead to chronic thyroid dysfunction. Graves' disease is a type of hyperthyroidism caused by the production of antibodies that stimulate the thyroid. Insulin-dependent diabetes, also called juvenile-onset or Type 1 diabetes, is caused by the production of antibodies that progressively destroy the beta cells of the pancreas, which secrete insulin. It has both hereditary and environmental components. Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal atrophy, and many patients have antibodies to the adrenal cortex.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Autoimmune endocrine disease
Article Abstract:
Autoimmune endocrine diseases are caused by inflammation and destruction of the hormone-secreting organs by the immune system. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus results from destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and leads to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Immune-mediated damage in thyroiditis impairs hormone production, while in Graves disease it produces excessive thyroid hormone. Addison disease leads to low serum cortisol levels from damage to the adrenal glands. Treatments are based on hormone replacement, and research seeks to impede the destructive immune response.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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