Robert amaya ethnicity series#

The association between HLA alleles and AITD is well known, but the primary etiological variant in this region is still uncertain ( 1). These genes include both immunological-synapse genes and regulatory T–cell genes (e.g., FOXP3, CD25) ( 3). For instance, it is calculated that up to 80% of the susceptibility for the development of GD is secondary to the presence of determined genes ( 10). In fact, a number of immune-related genes have been implicated in genetic susceptibility to AITD. Genetics play a key role in the pathogenesis of AITD. The main environmental factors are smoking, stress, and iodine consumption ( 6).

Candidate genes include immunoregulators and others specific to the thyroid (e.g., TSH receptors, thyroglobulin, etc.). Some of these genes are specific for GD and HT while others are mutual for both diseases, which indicates a genetic predisposition shared in these processes together. Generally, while T lymphocytes are the main cell type infiltrating the gland in HT, a B cell response predominates and determines the presence of GD ( 7).Īs with other ADs, there is a multifactorial etiology with a complex interaction of environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals ( 8) ( Figure 1). The injury is caused when the autoantibodies and/or sensitized T cells react with the thyroid cells causing the inflammatory reaction and, in some cases, cell lysis ( 6). The lymphocytic infiltration causes tissue damage and alters the function of the thyroid gland. They reflect the loss of immunological tolerance and share the presence of cell and humoral immune response against antigens from the thyroid gland with reactive infiltration of T cells and B cells, autoantibody generation and, subsequently, the development of clinical manifestations ( 4, 5).

HT and GD are the major causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively ( 3). AITD include Graves’ Disease (GD) and Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT), among others.

Robert amaya ethnicity series#

You can follow the rest of the #OnTheRag series here or follow our Instagram account for more period related content.Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are the most prevalent organ-specific autoimmune diseases (ADs) and affect 2 - 5% of the population ( 1) with great variability between genders (i.e., women 5–15% and men 1–5%) ( 2). We'll also be talking to the experts about some of the period related conditions you have heard of - and all of the ones that you haven't. We'll be chatting all things periods, products and pain as we delve deep inside the uterus to figure out why we bleed and - more importantly - how we cope. If you have any serious questions about your period, your reproductive health or anything related, talk to your GP or visit a women's health clinic.įor the month of February, Her will be #OnTheRag. Yep - just make sure you take it out after sex and for God's sake, don't reuse it. Yes, the ones designed to be used for sex (not reusable ones) can seriously reduce mess - but take note that they won't act as contraception. OK, so this isn't technically stopping your period but using certain disposable cups like the Soft Cup or a Ziggy Cup can allow you to have blood-free sex at that time of the month. It's not vegan (it comes from animal tissues) but drinking some dissolved in a glass of water is unlikely to harm you. From what we gather, this only delays things by three to four hours so not really. We'd stay away.ĭissolved gelatin in water is sometimes recommended as a way to postpone your period. Though ibuprofen is available over the counter, taking high amounts has been linked with internal bleeding and even heart attacks and should not be done without consulting a doctor. Anti-inflammatories reduce the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining each month. Maybe for a day or two, but there are no guarantees. Some people reckon that taking a high dose of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication can put it off for a few days. Apple cider vinegar has a whole host of health benefits so there's no harm in taking a few teaspoonfuls with some water.