Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)
The Autoimmune Illness rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which mostly affects the joints, is characterized by autoantibodies that target a variety of molecules, including modified self-epitopes. The discovery of novel autoantibodies has increased diagnostic precision, and newly created classification criteria make it easier to identify and research diseases early in their progression. Improved follow-up is made possible by the development of new clinical evaluation techniques that can more fully identify disease activity stages that are linked to the development of damage and disability. The presence or lack of antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs) and rheumatoid factor allows for the division of rheumatoid arthritis patients into two distinct categories (RF). About two-thirds of all instances of rheumatoid arthritis are antibody-positive cases, which are sometimes referred to as seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and typically have a more severe disease course. The presence of ACPAs and RF in the blood frequently occurs before any symptoms of joint inflammation, which raises the possibility that places other than the joints may be the site where autoimmunity is first triggered (for example, in the lung). About 40% of people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience symptoms unrelated to their joints. Other body parts besides joints that may be affected by this disorder include:
lungs, skin, eyes, and nerve tissue
bones' marrow
vascular system
Heart, kidneys, and salivary glands
20 to 50 cases of RA are thought to occur for every 100,000 people, with a prevalence of 0.5 to 1.1 percent. In Southern Europe, there have been reports of lower incidences and prevalences, and there are limited data available for developing nations. After the 1960s, some research indicated diminishing incidences and prevalences. RA is a complex illness brought on by interactions between environmental and genetic variables. The tyrosine-phosphatase gene PTPN22 and HLA-DRB1 are the key genetic contributors. Smoking has the highest correlation with RA susceptibility among environmental factors linked to the development of RA and is also associated with worse outcomes. This review's objective is to address the information that is currently known regarding the occurrence and prevalence of RA, as well as the genetic and environmental risk factors connected to RA.
Potential Causes
Researchers and medical professionals are currently unaware of the precise causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Genetic factors are undoubtedly likely. These factors alone do not, however, create the illness. They merely increase a person's susceptibility to the environmental triggers that cause the disease.
The following list of environmental triggers for the onset of this autoimmune disorder:
Smoking persistent illnesses
Poisons in the environment
Toxicology of heavy metals
Intestinal dysbiosis
Persistent gingivitis
Inadequate nutrition and diet
The fingers and toes can become deformed as a result of RA symptoms getting worse over time. Additionally, major joints including the shoulders, knees, and hips might be affected by the condition. Within two years of the disease's beginning, the joints may sustain considerable damage.
Other RA signs and symptoms include:
Low-grade fevers and fatigue
Pain and stiffness
Anemia
Loss of weight
Due to its potential to harm the pericardium, the protective sheath that surrounds the heart, RA has also been demonstrated to greatly raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Inflammation Circuit in Relation
Any time your body experiences stress, inflammation starts. It reacts to your body's urge to repair any harm by itself. The body uses inflammation to fight off and get rid of any harmful substances. However, issues develop when inflammation gets out of hand.
When under intense stress, the immune system, microbiota, and gut—the three elements of the inflammation circuit—can become out of balance. This dysbiosis may start in the digestive system.
One issue that arises as a result of dysbiosis in the gut is known as leaky gut. This happens when the connections between the epithelial cells that line your gut, which is typically tight, loosen up. Undigested food particles, germs, viruses, and other pathogens can enter your circulation as a result.
When this occurs, your immune system kicks into combat and eliminates these invasive organisms. One of its tools is inflammation. A leaky gut, on the other hand, enables a large number of these foreign substances to enter the circulation, overwhelming your immune system.
Your immune system might become overactive as a result, increasing inflammation and increasing your risk of developing autoimmune diseases. When your immune system starts fighting both healthy cells and those regarded as foreign invaders, autoimmune diseases can develop. As a result, this kind of illness manifests in rheumatoid arthritis when the synovial lining of your joints becomes inflamed.
Another problem is when the microbiome is out of balance as a result of stomach problems. With a leaky gut, there is poor nutrient absorption, which causes an imbalance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the microbiome. The result of this imbalance is an increase in bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO). Similar to how it affects your intestines, SIBO exacerbates the problems there. Additionally, it contributes to nutrient malabsorption, which causes malnutrition. This adds even another stressor that has an impact on AFS.
Adrenal fatigue syndrome issues and RA
All of this contributes to the AFS symptoms of fatigue, nutritional loss, bloating, and other issues. These issues with the gut, microbiota, and immune system set up a cycle that makes inflammation more prevalent. Additionally, they raise the chance of developing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to the issues brought on by gut dysbiosis and the microbiome, 40% of persons with RA also struggle with issues in areas of the body other than their joints. This also covers the possibility of gut dysbiosis. Therefore, there is a chance that RA could trigger gut dysbiosis, which in turn could result in a vicious cycle of gut dysbiosis and RA. Your body is under additional stress as a result of these problems with the inflammatory circuit, as well as the discomfort and deformity associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the more stress you experience, the worse your AFS symptoms may get. Additionally, when more physical harm is done to the body, inflammation rises along with the intensity of AFS symptoms.
Lupus, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus is another autoimmune condition that is systemic in nature and can produce symptoms that are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Osteoarthritis: Similar to RA, lupus can have an impact on the endocrine system, heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, blood vessels, and blood. Since lupus symptoms can also appear during flare-ups, they are commonly confused with other medical conditions or autoimmune diseases. These symptoms can include achiness, weariness, swelling, joint pain, rashes, and fever. There are some differences between lupus and RA. One is that lupus frequently results in a recognizable "butterfly rash" on the face, as well as typically evident weariness. Doctors employ a variety of procedures, such as antibody blood tests, c-reactive protein testing, urine tests, physical examinations, and family history, to assist distinguish between the two and make accurate diagnoses. It's also conceivable for someone with lupus to have rheumatoid arthritis (or another ailment) and lupus at the same time, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Doctors refer to the phenomenon as "overlap." It might be challenging to determine which autoimmune illness is responsible for symptoms on any one day if a patient has an overlapping diagnosis, which is established when they match the official criteria for two different autoimmune disorders.
How do you determine the difference between osteoarthritis (a non-autoimmune form of arthritis) and RA?
When they experience morning stiffness and other autoimmune illness symptoms, many patients believe they have RA. Osteoarthritis typically does not result in persistent morning stiffness or symptoms like weariness, appetite changes, low-grade fever, or more frequent infections. Since osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disorder, the immune system is not mistakenly attacking body tissues as is the case with autoimmune diseases. Osteoarthritis is primarily brought on by inflammation, excessive joint use, or aging-related wear and tear damage. Because osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease rather than an autoimmune condition, it typically does not alter the lining of joints, induce bone erosion, or result in joint deformity.
RESOURCES:
https://www.nature.com/nrneurol/
2022. NP. Malika Katrouche. All Rights Reserved.
