Microscopia E Chimica Clinica

Author : Claude T. Petrelli
Publisher : Nova Publishers
ISBN 13 : 9781604560558
Total Pages : 234 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (65 download)

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Download or read book New Research on Autoantibodies written by Claude T. Petrelli and published by Nova Publishers. This book was released on 2008 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Autoantibodies are a group of antibodies (immune proteins) that mistakenly target and damage specific tissues or organs of the body. One or more autoantibodies may be produced by a person's immune system when it fails to distinguish between "self" and "non-self" proteins. Usually the immune system is able to discriminate by recognising foreign substances (non-self) and ignoring the body's own cells (self), yet not overreact to non-threatening substances such as foods, dust and pollen, or beneficial microorganisms. It creates antibodies only when it perceives what it has been exposed to as a threat (non-self). When the immune system ceases to recognise one or more of the body's normal constituents as "self", it may produce autoantibodies that attack its own cells, tissues, and/or organs, causing inflammation and damage. The causes of this inappropriate action are varied and are not well understood, often resulting in a chronic auto-immune disorder. While there is not a direct link, it is thought that many cases of autoantibody production are due to a genetic predisposition combined with an environmental trigger (such as a viral illness or a prolonged exposure to certain toxic chemicals). Some families have been shown to have a high prevalence of auto-immune conditions; however, individual family members may have different auto-immune disorders or may never develop an auto-immune condition. Researchers believe that there may also be a hormonal component to the cause as many of the auto-immune conditions are more common in women of childbearing age. This book presents leading research from throughout the world.