Inflammation and disease

Question 1

What types of diseases can result from immune system dysfunction?

Answer 1

Immune dysfunction can lead to allergies, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and conditions affecting skin, organs, joints, and the gut, such as asthma rheumatoid arthritis lupus and type I diabetes.

Question 2

What are the primary causes of immune system dysfunction?

Answer 2

• Genetic factors
• environmental triggers
• unresolved inflammation
• loss of immune tolerance
• molecular mimicry where pathogens resemble host proteins.

Question 3

What happens during acute inflammation?

Answer 3

Immune cells migrate to the infection site neutrophils perform phagocytosis release reactive oxygen species enzymes cytokines and chemokines and form neutrophil extracellular traps or NETs to clear pathogens.

Question 4

What are the key features of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)?

Answer 4

NETs are DNA structures decorated with granule proteins released by neutrophils to trap and kill extracellular pathogens but can expose autoantigens and contribute to autoimmune diseases.

Question 5

What is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in inflammation?

Answer 5

ROS generated by neutrophils destroy pathogens but excessive ROS can damage host tissues if antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed.

Question 6

What is the significance of neutrophil apoptosis in inflammation?

Answer 6

Controlled apoptosis of neutrophils resolves inflammation by removing activated cells that could release harmful pro-inflammatory molecules.

Question 7

What happens if neutrophil apoptosis is delayed?

Answer 7

Delayed apoptosis results in prolonged inflammation as neutrophils release more cytokines ROS and enzymes causing tissue damage and perpetuating inflammatory diseases.

Question 8

What are the primary granules in neutrophils and their contents?

Answer 8

Primary granules also known as azurophilic granules contain antimicrobial myeloperoxidase lysozyme defensins hydrolases elastase and other proteinases for pathogen destruction.

Question 9

What are the secondary granules in neutrophils and their contents?

Answer 9

Secondary granules also known as specific granules contain lactoferrin lysozyme collagenase alkaline phosphatase and other molecules aiding in pathogen defense.

Question 10

What are the key inflammatory mediators released by neutrophils in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 10

Neutrophils release ROS enzymes like elastase and cytokines such as IL-6 IL-1 and TNF-alpha which perpetuate inflammation and damage host tissues.

Question 11

What is the role of neutrophils in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Answer 11

Neutrophils infiltrate the lungs releasing ROS enzymes and cytokines leading to tissue damage vascular thrombosis and respiratory failure in conditions like COVID-19-induced ARDS.

Question 12

What is a cytokine storm and its role in COVID-19?

Answer 12

A cytokine storm is an excessive release of cytokines and chemokines leading to widespread inflammation organ damage and complications such as ARDS and thrombosis in severe COVID-19 cases.

Question 13

What are the key findings about NETs in COVID-19 patients?

Answer 13

Increased NET formation is observed in severe COVID-19 contributing to lung damage and vascular thrombosis by exposing pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant molecules.

Question 14

What therapeutic options target neutrophil activity in COVID-19?

Answer 14

Drugs like enoxaparin an anticoagulant inhibit cytokine expression and reduce NET formation and thrombosis providing relief in severe COVID-19 cases.

Question 15

What are the systemic consequences of unresolved inflammation?

Answer 15

Unresolved inflammation can lead to chronic diseases autoimmune disorders tissue damage and systemic complications such as vascular thrombosis.

Question 16

How does molecular mimicry contribute to autoimmune diseases?

Answer 16

Molecular mimicry occurs when pathogen antigens resemble host proteins causing the immune system to attack self-tissues leading to diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 17

What are the primary symptoms of ARDS in severe infections like COVID-19?

Answer 17

Symptoms include respiratory distress cough shortness of breath cyanosis and multi-organ failure often requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care.

Question 18

What are the dual roles of neutrophils in inflammation?

Answer 18

Neutrophils protect against infections by destroying pathogens but can also contribute to tissue damage autoimmune diseases and vascular thrombosis through excessive activation.

Question 19

How can targeting neutrophils help in inflammatory diseases?

Answer 19

Targeting neutrophils can reduce ROS cytokine and NET production alleviating tissue damage inflammation and complications like ARDS in severe cases.