EDUCATION
Evidence Based Scientific Research
What is Autoimmunity?
Autoimmunity simply means “immunity against self” or an immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissue.
The German immunologist and Nobel Laureate, Paul Ehrlich (1845-1915), described the body's immunological self-destruction as horror autotoxicus “the horror of self-toxicity”.
The 3 Stages of Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmunity involves a loss of self-tolerance, this is typically detected by the appearance of auto-antibodies. Auto-antibodies may occur years before signs & symptoms or disease onset, where individuals may appear physically healthy and without organ damage. There are 3 stages to Autoimmunity...
Immune cells & Autoimmunity
Understanding the complex interaction between cells of the immune system is key to understanding Autoimmune conditions.
Autoimmunity has been considered to be driven mainly by the adaptive immune system i.e. auto-reactive B and T cell over-activity. However recent research, indicates early innate immune system responses may also be implicated in the development of immune-mediated inflammation.
Cytokines & Autoimmunity
Cytokines, are signalling chemicals in the body used by cells. They have been described as the 'software that runs the immune system'. However, when that software malfunctions, dysregulation of the immune system can result in Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, and diabetes.
Self Tissue & Molecular Mimicry in Autoimmunity
The immune system's main job is identifying things that are a threat to us. In the language of immunology, this means distinguishing 'self' from 'non-self': The cells of our organs are 'self', while pathogens are 'non-self'. However, as in any complex system, malfunctions occur, leading to diseases of immune dysregulation to our body's own tissues such as Autoimmunity.
Infections & Autoimmunity
Although some infections can protect individuals from specific Autoimmune diseases, infectious agents can play a pivotal role in the induction of autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune diseases are strongly linked to one or more infectious agent and in many cases chronicity of infection. Understanding the mechanisms involved has been the focus of extensive research...
Toxins, Oxidative Stress & Glutathione in Autoimmunity
A number of experimental studies and clinical reports have shown that Autoimmune reactivity and/or Autoimmune diseases are induced in humans with chronic exposure to various chemicals. This can disrupt the balance between antioxidant status and free radicals in the body, leading to oxidative stress. Glutathione is the body's natural antioxidant and plays an important role in Autoimmunity...
Leaky Gut, Microbiome & Dysbiosis in Autoimmunity
Clinical reports suggest that Leaky gut contributes to Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease. Furthermore, the gut commensal microbiota plays a critical role in regulating host immunity; abnormalities of the microbial community, known as dysbiosis, are observed in patients with Autoimmune diseases.
Food Sensitivities & Oral Tolerance
Development of immune tolerance to dietary antigens is very important for intestinal and systemic homeostasis. The more our immune system reacts to foods, the more sensitivities we incur. Loss of oral tolerance, can amplify systemic inflammation and drive Autoimmunity...
Gluten & Autoimmunity
The Western diet includes an average daily gluten intake from 5 to 20 g/day. Exclusion diets historically and consistently show wheat to be a common factor in gastrointestinal symptoms. Coeliac disease and wheat allergy are well researched immune disorders associated with gluten, but is non-coeliac gluten sensitivity also implicated in Autoimmunity?