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 protective system malfunctions and mistakenly starts attacking the cells of its own body.
Autoimmune diseases
For the creation of antibodies that block the action of microbes, infections and other pathogens, lymphocytes are responsible. Some of them are nurse cells. Their task is to destroy the tissues of their own body with their pathological modification. Under the influence of certain factors, the system may fail. In this case, the lymphocytes begin an attack on healthy cells, starting the process of self-destruction of the body.
The reasons for their aggressive behavior can be internal and external. The first is heredity. Gene mutations can be transmitted from generation to generation. Thus, if the ancestors suffered from some kind of autoimmune disease, the likelihood of its occurrence is very high.
External causes are:
- negative environmental impact;
- heavy and protracted nature of the course of infectious diseases.
In addition, in some cases, lymphocytes cannot distinguish their own mutated cells from pathogens and attack both.
There are many autoimmune diseases, the symptoms of which are different. Their only feature is the gradual development throughout a person’s life.
The most commonly diagnosed autoimmune pathologies are:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- multiple sclerosis;
- type 1 diabetes mellitus;
- vasculitis;
- lupus erythematosus;
- pemphigus;
- Graves thyroiditis;
- myasthenia gravis;
- scleroderma;
- antiphospholipid syndrome;
- Crohn's disease;
- glomerolenephritis;
- vitiligo;
- psoriasis;
- myocarditis, etc.
The list of autoimmune pathologies is very long. Without treatment, most of them pose a serious danger to both the health and life of the patient. Of great importance is timely diagnosis. 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 symptoms continue to bother, it is recommended to consult other specialists and donate blood for analysis.
In the laboratory, markers of autoimmune diseases are studied during the study. If an increase in the level of any of them or several at once is revealed, this indicates the development of pathology.
There are so many markers of autoimmune diseases. Below are those whose concentration does not correspond to the norm most often compared to others.
Thyroid Peroxidase Marker Increased
Such an analysis result is not always a sign of dangerous diseases. Thyroperoxidase is an 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 pathologies of the thyroid gland.
If the marker of an autoimmune disease, AT TPO is increased strongly and for a long time, this suggests the presence of hypothyroidism. This pathology is characterized by damage to the thyroid gland with its own immune cells. As a result, her work is disrupted, which can cause dysfunction of many organs and systems.
An increased marker of the autoimmune disease AT TPO can also indicate:
- other types of thyroiditis;
- chronic renal failure;
- diabetes mellitus;
- rheumatism;
- trauma to the organs of the endocrine system;
- bazedovoy disease;
- postpartum disorders in the thyroid gland.
The exact diagnosis depends on the concentration of antibodies in the blood. If an autoimmune disease is detected, its treatment will consist in taking hormonal drugs.
Increased gliadin marker
An increase in the concentration of immunoglobulins G and A may be a sign of connective tissue pathologies, interstitial lung diseases, maladdition syndrome. But in most cases, an increased marker of autoimmune disease indicates celiac disease. With this pathology, the mucosa of the small intestine is affected, which serves as a trigger factor for the adhesive process and various dystrophic changes. To improve the condition, you must strictly observe a gluten-free diet.
Increased insulin marker
Antibodies (AT) to this hormone indicate the destruction of pancreatic cells. An increase in the marker of autoimmune disease in this case indicates type 1 diabetes. The result of the development of this pathology is the 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. Typically, type 1 diabetics suffer from several autoimmune pathologies at once.
Thyroglobulin marker increased
The analysis can also identify cancer. Thyroglobulin is a thyroid hormone precursor protein. Monitoring its level allows you to diagnose various organ diseases at an early stage.
If the marker of autoimmune disease of AT TG is elevated, this may indicate:
- Graves' disease;
- thyroiditis Hashimoto;
- thyroid cancer;
- diffuse non-toxic goiter.
The analysis is not informative to evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
Double-stranded DNA marker
A similar study 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 an elevated level of a marker for double-stranded DNA, indicators of antibodies to:
- lupus anticoagulant;
- antinuclear factor ;
- cardiolipin (classes G and M);
- nucleosomes.
If these markers of autoimmune diseases are elevated, this may also be a sign:
- rheumatism;
- myelitis;
- hemolytic anemia;
- acute leukemia;
- severe liver pathologies;
- autoimmune hepatitis;
- plasmacytomas;
- scleroderma, etc.
Prothrombin marker increased
This substance serves as a coagulation factor. Antibodies to it interfere with the process, causing the appearance of blood clots.
If this marker of autoimmune disease is elevated, this is a sign of antiphospholipid syndrome. This term applies 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, which are part of cell membranes.
Also, with an increase in the marker for prothrombin, the likelihood of myocardial infarction significantly increases.
Finally
The main task of the immune system of the human body 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 malfunction can occur in the system. As a result, defenses begin to attack their own cells. To date, many autoimmune diseases are known that, without timely treatment, can lead to serious complications.