Systemic autoimmune diseases (MS, RA)

Question 1

What is multiple sclerosis?

Answer 1

autoreactive T cells to myelin sheath proteins

Question 2

Where is there a highest incidence of MS?

Answer 2

highest incidence in individuals living above the 37th parallel, especially in the U.S.

Question 3

What increases the risk of MS?

Answer 3

if a person moves from Southern hemisphere to Northern before the age of 15, incidence increases

environmental factor plays a strong role
genetics also important – children of MS patient have increased risk

Question 4

In who is MS usually found in?

Answer 4

often diagnosed between 20-40 years of age

Question 5

What is rhuematoid athritis?

Answer 5

chronic inflammation of the joints

IgM antibodies binding to Fc region of IgG
rheumatoid factor
immune complex formation
inflammatory reaction in joints; C’ activation

Question 6

where is RA usually found?

Answer 6

primarily women between 40-60
3:1 female:male ratio
HLA-DR4 association