Category: Autoimmune Diseases
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"The Vital Role of Antibodies in Immune Response"
Since the discovery of antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins) in the late 19th century, their pivotal role in the human immune system has been progressively unraveled. When we imagine an immune response, we often picture white blood cells charging and destroying invaders, a depiction of the innate immune system. While this happens, the adaptive immune…
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"Understanding the Complexities of Our Immune System"
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work synergistically to defend the body against harmful pathogens. It is a potent biological machinery that enables our bodies to identify and neutralize foreign substances, mostly microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus, which might pose a risk to our…
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"Understanding the Basics of Celiac Disease: A Comprehensive Overview"
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the small intestine. It occurs as a response to gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, causes an immune response in the body, leading to damage in the small intestine. Causes of Celiac Disease Celiac disease is believed to…
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"Understanding the Role of Inflammation in Chronic Diseases"
Chronic diseases are long-term illnesses that are generally progressive. They include heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis. These illnesses are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems. In recent years, there’s been an increasing amount of research looking into the link between inflammation and chronic diseases. This…
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"Understanding the Causes and Effects of Psoriasis"
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that changes the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of your skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are sometimes painful or itchy and can occur anywhere on your body. Psoriasis is a persistent condition…
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"Understanding the Symptoms and Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis"
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects the joints in the body, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This autoimmune disorder is characterized by the immune system attacking healthy cells in the body, resulting in inflammation and the thickening of the synovial membrane located within the affected joints. Over time, this can lead to…
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"Understanding the Complex Nature of Lupus"
Among complex autoimmune diseases known to man, lupus stands out with its unique characteristics and the variety of challenges it poses to medical science. An understanding of this condition reaches beyond a simple definition; it is indeed a journey into one of nature’s most mysterious illnesses. What is Lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease,…
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"Understanding the Complex Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis"
Introduction Multiple Sclerosis, often referred to simply as MS, is a debilitating physical condition that affects nearly 2.3 million people around the globe each year. It is a chronic disease that affects the nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord. MS can manifest through a vast and often bewildering variety of symptoms, making it…
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"Understanding the Complexity of Crohn’s Disease"
Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a condition in which any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus might swell. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect different areas of the digestive tract and is characterized by abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, malnutrition, and weight loss. Inflammation caused…
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"Understanding the Causes of Type 1 Diabetes"
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for everyday life. The various factors that contribute to type 1 diabetes may be autoimmune, genetic, or environmental.…