The Theory of Autoimmunity

           

I would try to explain this completely new scientifical issue quite simple. Let me give you firstly a quick definition of

Immune system: a diffuse, complex network of interacting cells, cell products and cell forming tissues that protects the body from pathogens andother foreign substances, 

destroys infected and malignant cells, and removes cellular debris: 

the system includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and lymph tissue, stem cells,white blood cells, antibodies, and lymphokines.

Human immune system reacts to each protein that consists of more than 20 alfa-amino-acids and different from human proteins. When the proteins enter the gastrointestinal tract most of them are digested and in the form of amino acids can enter the blood stream and be used in the organism as building units.

If the intestinal membrane is not intact, which happens often through chemical or mechanical injuries the foreign protein can enter through the intestine wall into the interstitium and into the lymph stream where it can affect the immune system and cause an immune reaction through producing antibodies against it. It is a normal reaction of the organism to produce antibodies against foreign proteins.

Let us imagine the foreign protein is very similar in structure to a human protein, which can be found on the membrane or in the cytoplasm of a human cell. Then the antibodies of the human organism react falsely to the membrane protein of its own cells and thus induce cellular death through the immune reaction. This assumption may lead to the explanation of all autoimmune diseases and some degenerative diseases like atherosclerosis and diabetes, Alzheimer, Parkinson, dementia, psychical disorders, autism, obesity and many others.

It is spoken a lot about the connection between irritable bowel syndrome and other diseases. This only proves the theory of autoimmunity, because if someone has irritable bowel syndrome it is more likely ones immune system to react to foreign proteins coming with the food. On one side the erosions in the digestive membrane allow more foreign proteins to enter interstitium and cause immune reaction, on other side irritable bowel syndrome shows that the person who has this syndrome has already antibodies which attack his own cells.

 

Other Non-Digestive Disorders Associated with IBS

IBS is common in several chronic pain disorders, including fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and chronic fatigue syndrome. These are considered non-gastrointestinal (non-GI) functional pain syndromes. GI and Non-GI functional disorders are commonly present within the same person. These disorders may share a common cause, which include enhanced pain perception, changes in brain response, and changes in immune and neuroendocrine function. Since the disorders may be caused by similar factors, some of the treatments may also be similar. The treatments that IBS has in common with certain non-gastrointestinal functional disorders include antidepressants and psychological and behavioral therapies.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and widespread pain that is typically associated with fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and loss of intellectual functions.² According to the World Gastroenterology Organization, approximately 20%-50% of IBS patients have fibromyalgia. There is a higher prevalence in women, which increases with age.

Temporomandibular joint disorder

TMJ includes symptoms related to pain of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding areas. The temporomandibular joint is like a hinge in the jaw area that lets you move your jaw in various motions for talking, chewing, and yawning. IBS is present in 64% of people with TMJ.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue is described as a permanent and intense fatigue of unknown cause that limits a person’s ability to function. These symptoms persist for at least 6 months and do not improve with rest. IBS is present in 50% of people with chronic pelvic pain.

Other non-GI symptoms

Sleep disturbances were found in 28% to 74% of people with IBS. Urinary symptoms, including frequency, urgency, nocturia, and incomplete bladder emptying sensation were found in about 50% of people with IBS. Other non-GI symptoms found among people with IBS include chronic pelvic pain and tension headaches.

The next article shows the connection between psychic disorders and irritable bowel syndrome, but it takes the facts upside down. Perhaps not autism is a reason for digestive syndromes, but digestive syndromes are the reason for autism?               

Study Confirms that Kids with Autism More Likely to Have Stomach Troubles

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is usually defined by its social and behavioral symptoms, and complaints of stomach problems among children with ASD are sometimes written off as just stories.

But a new study, appearing in the journal Pediatrics, is the first of its kind to analyze all the published, peer-reviewed research about gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children with ASD. It shows that autistic children do in fact experience more (and more severe) stomach problems than other children their age.

Researchers from the Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University's School of Medicine found that these GI symptoms are real and detrimental to children. The study revealed that children with ASD are more likely to have constipation and diarrhea, and to complain about abdominal pain.

Is Diet to Blame?

Researchers don't know why autistic children are more likely to have stomach problems, but picky eating and other dietary restrictions characteristic of some children with ASD seem to play a role in their GI troubles.

“Children with ASD are known to experience feeding problems and related dietary issues,” explained William Sharp, Ph.D., director of the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program at Marcus Autism Center and an assistant professor of autism and related disorders at Emory University. “These concerns most often involve strong preferences for fats, snacks, and processed food, and rejection of fruits and vegetables. This pattern of food selectivity may lead to or make worse GI symptoms, such as abdominal pain or constipation.”

Over the long-term, these GI symptoms can be damaging. Dr. Barbara McElhanon, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University, says that accidents, even by toilet-trained children, are one possible consequence. Children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also at an increased risk for esophageal cancer if the condition is left untreated.

Effective communication is challenging for any child, but it can be especially difficult for children with autism to express themselves.

And, as the findings suggest, some of their behavioral symptoms may actually stem from gastrointestinal problems. The discomfort and pain of GI issues like constipation and diarrhea can lead to what appears to be disruptive behavior.

Several issues have kept the connection between ASD and GI disorders from receiving the attention and study it deserves—and one myth has been particularly damaging. 

“The unfounded assertion that vaccinations somehow caused an inflammatory GI disease which then caused autism has significantly hindered progress in this field for years,” Sharp said. “That controversy diverted attention from the GI needs of children with ASD, and we hope that our work helps spur renewed investment for addressing these needs.”

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