What is the Main Causes of Autoimmune Diseases

Introduction

Autoimmune diseases are caused by your body’s defense system that is supposed to shield against harmful invaders however, targets and attacks its own healthy tissues and cells. This overactive immune response can lead to pain, inflammation, and harm to various areas within the human body. Autoimmune disorders can affect almost all body parts including joints and kidneys, skin as well as the lungs and heart. There are more than 80 kinds of autoimmune disorders, ranging from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis to multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

The exact causes of autoimmune disorders remain undetermined, scientists believe that a mix of environmental, genetic, and immune system issues can trigger the development of these conditions.

1. Genetic Predisposition

One of the biggest factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases is a genetic predisposition. Studies have revealed that autoimmune conditions are often passed down in families and that those who have a family background of these diseases are more at risk. Researchers have identified certain genes that are associated with specific autoimmune diseases. These genes impact the way that the immune system works, making certain individuals more vulnerable to developing autoimmunity.

For instance, people who have relatives of the first degree (such as siblings or parents) with an autoimmune condition tend to be more susceptible to developing it themselves. The presence of specific genetic markers, for instance the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genes are associated with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis the lupus disease, and MS.

Genetics alone can not determine the onset of autoimmune conditions. In the majority of cases environmental and lifestyle factors can also be a factor, and many people with an inherited predisposition to autoimmune diseases might not ever develop it.

2. Environmental Triggers

The influence of environmental factors is believed to be among the major factors behind an increase in autoimmune conditions in people who are genetically predisposed. These triggers can cause an unnatural immune response that causes the body to attack itself and its tissues. Some common environmental triggers include:

a) Infections :- Infections caused by viruses, bacteria and other pathogens have been thought to play a significant part in the development of autoimmune conditions. The immune system can be active during an infection and, in some instances it could start attacking healthy tissues once the infection has gone away. This phenomenon is known as molecular mimicry.

For instance it is it is known that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that is responsible for mononucleosis, is associated with the development of diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Lupus. Other illnesses, such as streptococcal throat infections are associated with the autoimmune diseases like rheumatic fever and the autoimmune heart disease.

B) Chemical and Environmental Toxins :- The exposure to certain pollutants, chemicals and toxins have also been proven to be a contributing factor to the onset of autoimmune diseases. Metals heavy, pesticides and solvents that are used in a variety of industries have been linked to diseases like lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

A few studies suggest that exposure to certain chemicals, like those found in hair dyes and industrial cleaning agents, can increase the likelihood of developing autoimmune conditions. The pollution from the environment and even cigarettes smoke can also cause the development of autoimmune diseases.

C) Dietary Factors :- In a few autoimmune conditions certain food items or factors can cause or exacerbate symptoms. In celiac diseases as an example eating gluten (a protein that is present in barley, wheat and Rye) may cause an immune response that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. Other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can be aggravated due to the consumption of food items that trigger inflammation, including processed foods containing trans fats.

Dietary habits and deficiencies in nutrient intake like insufficient amounts of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to immune-mediated diseases. Researchers continue to study how diet influences the immune system and if certain diet-related interventions can help in the management of the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

3. Hormonal Factors

Hormonal changes can have a significant impact in the body’s immune system which is among the main reasons why autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women than in men. Many autoimmune disorders like lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are more frequent among females. The greater prevalence of these ailments in females is thought to be related to the effect of sex hormones, especially estrogen in the immune system.

Estrogen is believed to boost your immune system. This can result in an overactive immune response among women who have a genetic predisposition. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, menopausal and pregnancy can influence the functioning of the immune system and could trigger or intensify the autoimmune disease in people who are vulnerable.

4. Immune System Dysregulation

The main function of the immune system is to protect the body from invaders such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. In autoimmune disorders the immune system is dysfunctional. This implies that your immune system starts to lose its ability to distinguish the self from non-self. This means that our body’s defense mechanism is attacking healthy organs and tissues in the mistaken belief that they are harmful invaders.

There are a variety of causes that could trigger a dysregulation of the immune system that can cause problems with the activation and production by immune cells (such as B-cells and T-cells) and the production of defective antibodies or malfunctions in the immune signaling pathways. These issues can trigger an increased immune response leading the body’s tissues be attacked, which can cause swelling, pain and injury.

5. Stress

Chronic stress could be a cause of the onset and exacerbation of autoimmune disorders. Stress triggers your immune system’s “fight-or-flight” response, releasing hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine. While stress in the moment can be beneficial in stressful circumstances, prolonged stress may cause chronic inflammation and changes to immunity system function.

Stress can affect autoimmune disorders in a variety of ways. It can affect the immune system by leading to the body becoming more prone to infections. It also could trigger flare-ups in people who are already suffering from autoimmune disease. Research has shown that stress can cause the onset of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis Lupus, and MS.

6. Age and Gender

Although autoimmune disorders can manifest at any time however, they are more prevalent in older adults and the majority of cases being diagnosed between 20 to 50. Changes in your immune system including decreased effectiveness of immune system responses, could be a factor in the onset of autoimmune disorders later in life.

In addition, autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women often than males. The gender gap in autoimmune diseases is believed to be due to hormonal factors which were previously mentioned. The immune systems of women generally are more responsive, increasing their vulnerability to autoimmune illnesses. On the other hand, men typically have lower rates of autoimmune diseases, but they may suffer worse symptoms and adverse outcomes when they do get these.

Conclusion

Autoimmune disorders are a variety of conditions that develop in the event that the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and organs. Although the precise cause of autoimmune diseases is not completely known, a mix of environmental, genetic hormone, immune system-related factors are thought to be responsible for the development of these diseases.

Genetics play an important factor in determining the likelihood of an individual developing an autoimmune disease, and environmental triggers, including infections or exposure to toxins could set the stage for these conditions to manifest. Hormonal triggers such as immune system dysregulation stress, chronic stress, and even aging are well-known to affect the progression and development of autoimmune disorders.