Choose A Disease Or Condition That Affects One Of The System

Choose A Disease Or Condition Which Affects One Of The Systems We Are

Choose a disease or condition which affects one of the systems we are covering this semester. It can be viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, congenital/genetic, biochemical, drug induced, or the result of trauma, overuse, etc. The intent of this assignment is to encourage you to investigate diseases of which you know little in order to expand your applied knowledge of human physiology. 1. Investigate the history of the problem, the Disease process and treatments.

2. Paper Format a. Title, course name, your name and date on first page b. Body of paper begins on the first page. Three pages. c. Minimum of two references on last page d. Include citations in the body of the paper using the Name, Year style. Citations are used if you are quoting, paraphrasing, including statistical data, graphs, dates and names. e. Use the same Name, Year style for the references. 3. Submission requirements a. Single-spaced, 12 point font b. Be sure your name and title are at the top of each page

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The human body is an intricate network of systems that work synergistically to maintain health and homeostasis. Understanding diseases that affect these systems not only deepens our comprehension of human physiology but also enhances our ability to develop effective treatments. This paper explores multiple facets of multiple diseases, but for this assignment, I will focus on a specific condition—Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the nervous system, particularly the central nervous system (CNS).

History of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis was first described in the early 19th century; Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist, provided one of the earliest detailed descriptions of the disease in 1868. Initially thought to be a single disease, subsequent research revealed a complex array of neurological symptoms resulting from demyelination—the loss of the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. The recognition of MS as an autoimmune disorder emerged later in the 20th century, with advances in neuroimaging techniques, particularly MRI, revolutionizing diagnosis and monitoring (Lublin & Reingold, 1996). Today, MS is considered one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 2.8 million worldwide (Walton et al., 2020).

Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by immune-mediated damage to the myelin sheath within the CNS (Compston & Coles, 2008). The immune system mistakenly attacks myelin producing demyelination, resulting in disrupted nerve conduction. Lesions primarily develop in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. This process leads to neurological deficits such as muscle weakness, fatigue, impaired coordination, and sensory disturbances.

The disease manifests in different forms, primarily relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), characterized by episodes of neurological symptoms followed by periods of remission, and progressive forms involving steady neurological decline. The immune response involves T cells crossing the blood-brain barrier, initiating inflammation, and recruiting other immune cells like macrophages and B cells, which exacerbate tissue damage (Lassmann et al., 2012).

Genetic and environmental factors contribute to MS susceptibility. Certain HLA gene alleles increase risk, and environmental triggers such as vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus are implicated (Dendrou et al., 2015). The exact cause remains unknown, but the autoimmune attack results from complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental influences.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms vary widely depending on the lesion locations within the CNS but commonly include visual disturbances (optic neuritis), muscle weakness, numbness, balance problems, and cognitive impairment. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, MRI scans showing demyelinating lesions, cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealing oligoclonal bands, and evoked potentials testing (Thompson et al., 2018).

Treatments of Multiple Sclerosis

There is no cure for MS, but many treatments aim to modify disease progression, manage symptoms, and improve the quality of life. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) such as interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate, and newer agents like ocrelizumab reduce relapse rates and delay disability progression (He et al., 2018). Corticosteroids, like methylprednisolone, are used for acute relapses to reduce inflammation. Symptomatic treatments include physical therapy, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants.

Recent advancements include stem cell therapy and ongoing research into neuroprotective agents, with the hope of repairing demyelinated areas and restoring neurological function (Fang et al., 2020). The management of MS is interdisciplinary, involving neurologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Multiple Sclerosis exemplifies how autoimmune processes can severely impact the nervous system, leading to a range of neurological deficits. Understanding its history, pathophysiology, and treatments provides insight into the importance of neuroimmunology and neurological care. While current therapies effectively reduce disease activity, ongoing research aims to find a cure and promote neural repair, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by this debilitating disease.

References

1. Compston, A., & Coles, A. (2008). Multiple sclerosis. Lancet, 372(9648), 1502-1517.
2. Dendrou, C. A., Fugger, L., & Friese, M. A. (2015). Immunopathology of multiple sclerosis. Nature Reviews Immunology, 15(9), 545-558.
3. Fang, M., Li, C., Wu, S., & Wang, Z. (2020). Stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis: Mechanisms and clinical applications. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 11(1), 134.
4. He, D., Zeng, Q., & Wu, L. (2018). Disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 170, 7-15.
5. Lassmann, H., van Horssen, J., & Mahad, D. (2012). Progressive multiple sclerosis: pathology and pathogenesis. Nature Reviews Neurology, 8(11), 647-656.
6. Lublin, F. D., & Reingold, S. C. (1996). Defining the clinical course of multiple sclerosis: Results of an international survey. Neurology, 46(4), 907-911.
7. Thompson, A. J., Banwell, B. L., & Barkhof, F. (2018). Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: 2017 revisions of the McDonald criteria. The Lancet Neurology, 17(2), 162-173.
8. Walton, C., King, R., et al. (2020). Rising prevalence of multiple sclerosis worldwide: Insights from the Atlas of MS. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 26(8), 1067-1079.