General Medicine

» lolly47 - Autoimmune Disease

Hi Elaine

I wanted to ask you a few questions about The immune system.
Has there or is there any new research into the antibodies that attack the thyroid and eyes ongoing?

Do you know what happens to these Antibodies when a thyroidectomy has been performed,does it slow down the progress of the Antibodies that attack the Ocular Muscle?

What happens to all these Antibodies if they are circulating in your system,is there a chance that they will then go on to cause another AI Disease?.

I ask these questions, as I think, if I were to ever have a full thyroidectomy!!! It wouldn't be the end of an AI disease, as surely they would then latch on to some other part of the body and reak there havoc there.

I live in the United Kindom and we don't seem to do the tests that you do over in the United states.
TSI is not recognised in my part of the World and alot of us British people are not knowing how are immune system is doing or what tests are being carried out.

Because I have Thyroid eye Disease,it's obvious to the medical profession that I have an Autoimmune disease,but that doesn't help me in trying to reach and attain remission.

I didn't mean to make this a long message,I'm finding it hard to explain myself,but I think you will get what I mean.Well at least I hope you will.
Yours Lorraine

-- posted by lolly47

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» Elaine Moore - Autoimmune Disease

In response to Autoimmune Disease posted by lolly47:

Hi Lorraine,
TSH receptor antibodies are considered the primary autoantibodies that contribute to TED. Older studies that described collagen stimulating immunoglobulins haven't panned out. However, immune system chemicals known as cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 also play an important role in promoting inflammation in TED.
Some experts consider these chemicals, which occur at the same time the autoantibodies are produced, even more destructive, and they're known to perpetuate the autoimmune process.

Both the autoantibodies and these immune system chemicals are produced by white blood cells, primarily lymphocytes. These cells are found in the blood circulation and lymph nodes. They also cluster in organs where there is tissue destruction or an ongoing autoimmune process. They contribute to inflammation by rushing to the area and inducing a fullblown immune response.

In thyroidectomy, when most of the thyroid tissue is removed, these clusters of white blood cells, thyroid antibodies and immune system chemicals are removed with the tissue. But surgery itself causes more white blood cells to cluster to the surgical site. If the autoimmune process is still active, these white blood cells will continue producing TSH receptor antibodies and immune system chemicals. In most cases, the autoimmune process will slow down because the thyroid tissue proteins that triggered the reaction are markedly reduced.
And, usually, shortly after surgery thyroid antibody levels will fall. And in most cases TED improves and thyroid autoantibody levels continue to fall.

However, in a small number of people, thyroid antibody production continues. And over time these antibodies react with orbital tissue because TSH receptor protein is present on orbital cells and there is very little thyroid tissue left for the antibodies to react with.

These specific antibodies, the TSH receptor antibodies, won't cause other autoimmune diseases. And the immune system isn't stimulated for a long time after surgery the way it is when people have RAI.

However, if the immune system is still being stimulated by the original triggers that caused the Graves' disease like continual exosure to allergens or chemicals or estrogens... and the immune system has never healed, other autoimmune diseases can develop.

This is why addressing the autoimmune problem when treating Graves' disease has the most efficacy. You're addressing the cause of the problem, promoting immune system healing and allowing the disease process to resolve. By just treating the symptoms, for instance with surgery or RAI, you end up resolving the hyperthyroidism but still having the autoimmune process to deal with.

I know of some people from the UK who have had tests for total TSH receptor antibodies so they're probably available but not always relied on. Best, Elaine

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» lolly47 - Autoimmune Disease

In response to Autoimmune Disease posted by daisyelaine:

Hi Elaine
Thankyou for your quick response,I will check with my medical team what actual antibodies they test for.I believe it may be TPO.

I'm looking to be able to control my immune system by whatever means that is available to me.
I've given up alot for this disease to be able to control it and promote good health,but it is an upward struggle.

I'm not looking to surgery for any answers unless it truly warrents it.
I will continue with what I am doing for now,seeking out all I can to be able to help myself.

Best wishes Lorraine

-- posted by lolly47

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» Elaine Moore - Autoimmune Disease

In response to Autoimmune Disease posted by lolly47:

Hi Lolly,
Your good attitude will help alot. So will avoiding any known or suspected allergens. Even though you may not have symptoms of wheat allergy, experts recommend avoiding wheat to see if there's improvement since so many of us with autoimmune thyroid disease react to the proteins in wheat, rye and barley. Studies show that people with both thyroid disease and celiac disease who avoid gluten reduce their levels of both thyroid and gliadin antibodies.
Keeping a food diary can also help, keeping in mind that many foods won't cause a reaction for a day or two. Focusing on nutrient-rich foods, primarily fresh whole fruits and vegetables, is also known to cause improvement. Best to you, Elaine

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» alagaesia6750 - Autoantibodies

I was wondering if you could help me understand more. They have found that my B cells deteriorate very quickly, but autoantibodies are still attacking my pancreas and liver. Is there some other disorder I should be diagnosed with that no one's mentioning to me? They keep calling it Immunodeficiency because I catch literally everything including opportunistic infections common with PID. What is this condition supposed to be called since I'm 29 years old?

-- posted by alagaesia6750

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» Elaine Moore - Autoantibodies

In response to Autoantibodies posted by alagaesia6750:
Hi,
A low count of B lymphocytes usually inhibits your immune system's ability to fight infection and produce autoantibodies.
In fact, many new therapies for autoimmune disorders like rituximab work by depleting B lymphocyte cells.
What you're describing is a pretty new finding--that in some cases aberrant B cell production is linked to autoimmunity.
Check out this PubMed link onDiminished B cells in NIDDM which describes cases of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus having low B cell counts, which, in turn, interferes with glucose metabolism. The article abstract mentions 1000 other links on PubMed.
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes or autoimmune hepatitis or are you being treated with meds that could cause your liver enzymes to rise?
Have you had tests for smooth muscle or other liver antibodies, or for insulin or GAD antibodies? I could help you more if you asked for a copy of your last sets of lab results and posted the antibody test results here. Best, Elaine

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