12e. Immune Health - Chronic Inflammation Flashcards
What is the role of inflammation?
Localise
Eliminate
Heal affected area
What does inflammation involve?
Vasodilation
Increased tissue permeability
Blood clotting
Fluid accumulation
Recruitment of immune cells
What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
Redness
Heat
Oedema
Pain
Loss of function
Why do we see the signs of inflammation?
As a signal to protect the affected area
Rest
Repair
What qualities should inflammation have?
Targeted
Time-limited
Proportionate
If inflammation isn’t targeted, time-limited or proportionate, what can happen?
Could target self tissue - AI
Could target non-harmful antigens - allergy
Not time-limited - chronic inflammation
Signs and symptoms of inflammation
Pain
Swelling
Aches
Joint stiffness
Redness
Heat
Examples of conditions with an inflammatory element
Depression
AZD
MS
What GP tests can be done to test for inflammation?
CRP
ESR
WBC
Fibrinogen
Low vit D
Ultrasound
MRI
What functional tests can be done to test for inflammation?
hsCRP
O6:O3 ratio
SNPs - FADS1/2, IL-6, TNF-a, HLA, VDR
Examples of inflammatory mediators
Cytokines
Histamine
Kinins
NF-kB
Examples of cytokines that upregulate inflammation
TNF-a
Il-1
IL-6
What role has histamine in inflammation?
Promotes vasodilation
Promotes vascular permeability
What role has kinins in inflammation?
Increases vasodilation
Increases permeability
Sends pain signals
What role has NF-kB in inflammation?
Activates gene transcription
What is NF-kB activated by?
Cytokines
LPS
Homocysteine
Heavy metals
Which conditions has NF-kB dysregulation been linked to?
Cancer
AI
Inflammatory disorders - RA, IBD
What are eicosanoids?
Locally acting hormone-like messengers
What are eicosanoids made from?
Oxidation of O3 and 6 fats in cell membranes
Examples of eicosanoids
Prostaglandins
Thromboxanes
Leukotrienes
Lipoxins
What does prostaglandin E2 do?
Increases vasodilation
Increases platelet aggregation
Increases histamine
Increases kinins