Autoimmune diseases have become increasingly common in the 21st century, affecting about one in five people. These diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and thyroiditis, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and tissue destruction.
It is believed that western lifestyles, environmental changes, and increased average age of the population contribute to the rise in autoimmune diseases. Women are more commonly affected by these diseases, with up to 80 percent of those affected being female. The reason for this gender difference is unknown but it is suspected that estrogen and the X chromosome may play a role.
Recent studies have shed light on the importance of understanding autoimmune diseases and their triggers. Researchers at Stanford University have identified an X-chromosome-linked mechanism that explains women’s susceptibility to autoimmune attacks. This mechanism involves the silencing of the X chromosome which may incite an autoimmune response.
Further research has shown that male mice with modified X-chromosome strands have more severe autoimmune disease symptoms due to the production of certain protein bands that attract autoantibodies which attack the body’s own structures causing tissue destruction and erratic behavior of defense cells. The same autoantibodies found in mice have also been detected in women with autoimmune diseases like lupus. Identifying these autoantibodies early on can help in the early detection of autoimmune diseases.
By recognizing the role of the X chromosome in autoimmune attacks, researchers can develop better diagnostic tools and potential treatments for these complex conditions. Understanding how these diseases are triggered is key to finding a cure or prevention measures for them
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