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SOOO, WHEN I 1ST GOT THE “BLESSED VISIONS TO CREATE” THESE: THE “©HUMANETICS” & The “©HUMEDICS” WAS SHORTLY AFTER I FOUND OUT THAT I HAD TYPE2 DIABETES, AND SPENT ABOUT 2/TWO WEEKS IN “ICU” OF THE SINAI GRACE HOSPITAL OF DETROIT. MICHIGAN. AND SINCE THEN, I HAVE DON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH INTO AND FOLLOWED THE NEWEST MEDICAL DISCOVERIES AND TREATMENTS, AS MUCH A POSSIBLE, AND I “HIDE” STUFF IN PALIN READING SIGHT, WITHIN OUR BRANDS AND SERIES (MANY TIMES JUST CALL IT/THEM SOMETHING SCIENTIFIC OR SPECIAL TERM)…LOL/SMILE
A third person has been cured of HIV, scientists report
By Nicoletta Lanese published 1 day ago
She received stem cells from umbilical cord blood.
DID Y’ALL HEAR ME; READ WHAT I SAID HERE?? HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS??!!!
A third person has been cured of HIV, scientists report
By Nicoletta Lanese published 1 day ago
She received stem cells from umbilical cord blood.
A third person has been cured of HIV, scientists report
By Nicoletta Lanese published 1 day ago
She received stem cells from umbilical cord blood.
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(Image credit: Shutterstock)
A woman became the third person ever to be cured of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, after she received a stem-cell transplant that used cells from umbilical cord blood, scientists reported Tuesday (Feb. 15).
The two other people cured of HIV, Timothy Brown and Adam Castillejo, both received bone marrow transplants from donors who carried a genetic mutation that blocks HIV infection, Live Science previously reported. These transplants contained adult hematopoietic stem cells, which are stem cells that develop into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, a key component of the immune system.
This genetic mutation is rare and has been identified in only about 20,000 bone marrow donors to date, The New York Times reported. The bone marrow transplant procedure itself takes a heavy toll on the body, both during the highly invasive procedure and for some time afterward. In both Brown and Castillejo, immune cells from the donors’ bone marrow launched an attack against cells in the patients’ bodies; this condition is known as “graft versus host disease.” Following this initial reaction, though, both men were cured of HIV.
However, the woman recently cured of HIV had a very different experience from the two men cured before her.
Related: The deadliest viruses in history CLOSE
She left the hospital just 17 days after her procedure, without any signs of graft versus host disease, Dr. JingMei Hsu, the patient’s physician at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, told the Times. Her case dispels an existing theory that triggering graft versus host disease might be a necessary step in curing someone of HIV, Dr. Sharon Lewin, president-elect of the International AIDS Society, who was not involved in the work, told the Times.
In addition to being HIV-positive, the woman had acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer that affects blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, Reuters reported. She had received the umbilical cord blood as both a treatment for the cancer and for her HIV, as her doctors identified a donor with the HIV-blocking genetic mutation. Cord blood contains a high quantity of hematopoietic stem cells; the blood is collected at the time of a baby’s birth and then donated by the parents, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center.
Cord blood offers an advantage over bone marrow because donors don’t need to be closely “matched” to their transplant recipient, according to MSK. For bone marrow transplants, doctors check the donor’s and recipient’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tissue type, which refers to whether the individuals carry specific proteins, called HLAs, in the tissues of their bodies. HLAs come in different flavors, and these flavors must be closely matched between a bone marrow donor and a recipient to avoid a catastrophic immune reaction.
But because a baby’s immune system is still quite immature at the time of birth, the HLAs of the baby and cord blood recipient don’t have to match as closely as the HLAs of a bone marrow donor and recipient, MSK notes. The baby’s immature cells adapt to the recipient’s body more easily than adult cells. In the woman’s case, her donor was “partially matched,” and she also received stem cells from a close relative to help bolster her immune system after the transplant procedure, the Times reported.
“The transplant from the relative is like a bridge that got her through to the point of the cord blood being able to take over,” Dr. Marshall Glesby, an infectious-diseases expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and part of the research team, told the Times.RELATED CONTENT
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The woman’s procedure took place in August 2017, according to The Guardian. She elected to stop taking antiretroviral drugs, the standard treatment for HIV, 37 months after her transplant, the Times reported. More than 14 months have passed since then, and still, no trace of the virus or antibodies against the virus can be found in her blood, the Times reported.
The woman’s case is part of a larger U.S.-based study that will follow a total of 25 people with HIV, Reuters reported. These individuals will undergo an umbilical cord stem-cell transplant for the treatment of cancer, and the trial organizers will then monitor them to see whether their HIV status changes following the procedure. In general, umbilical cord blood is more widely available and more easily matched to recipients than bone marrow. So some scientists think the procedure may be more accessible than bone marrow transplants to HIV patients.
“We estimate that there are approximately 50 patients per year in the U.S. who could benefit from this procedure,” Dr. Koen van Besien, director of the stem cell transplant program at Weill Cornell Medicine and one of the doctors involved in the treatment, told The Guardian. Worldwide, nearly 38 million people are living with HIV, according to the Times.
“The ability to use partially matched umbilical cord blood grafts greatly increases the likelihood of finding suitable donors for such patients,” van Besien said.
Originally published on Live Science.
https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders
Autoimmune Diseases: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and More
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.
The immune system normally guards against germs like bacteria and viruses. When it senses these foreign invaders, it sends out an army of fighter cells to attack them.
Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between foreign cells and your own cells.
In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakes part of your body, like your joints or skin, as foreign. It releases proteins called autoantibodies that attack healthy cells.
Some autoimmune diseases target only one organ. Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Other diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affect the whole body.
Why does the immune system attack the body?
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes the immune-system misfire. Yet some people are more likely to get an autoimmune disease than others.
According to a 2014 study, women get autoimmune diseases at a rate of about 2 to 1 compared to men — 6.4 percent of women vs. 2.7 percent of men. Often the disease starts during a woman’s childbearing years (ages 15 to 44).
Some autoimmune diseases are more common in certain ethnic groups. For example, lupus affects more African-American and Hispanic people than Caucasians.
Certain autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, run in families. Not every family member will necessarily have the same disease, but they inherit a susceptibility to an autoimmune condition.
Because the incidence of autoimmune diseases is rising, researchers suspect environmental factors like infections and exposure to chemicals or solvents might also be involved.
A “Western diet” is another suspected risk factor for developing an autoimmune disease. Eating high-fat, high-sugar, and highly processed foods is thought to be linked to inflammation, which might set off an immune response. However, this hasn’t been proven.
A 2015 study focused on another theory called the hygiene hypothesis. Because of vaccines and antiseptics, children today aren’t exposed to as many germs as they were in the past. The lack of exposure could make their immune system prone to overreact to harmless substances.
BOTTOM LINE: Researchers don’t know exactly what causes autoimmune diseases. Genetics, diet, infections, and exposure to chemicals might be involved.https://2dc3efb806788cd576d472cb0998e401.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
14 common autoimmune diseases
There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Here are 14 of the most common ones.
1. Type 1 diabetes
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
High blood sugar results can lead to damage in the blood vessels, as well as organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks the joints. This attack causes redness, warmth, soreness, and stiffness in the joints.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which commonly affects people as they get older, RA can start as early as your 30s or sooner.
3. Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis
Skin cells normally grow and then shed when they’re no longer needed. Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply too quickly. The extra cells build up and form inflamed red patches, commonly with silver-white scales of plaque on the skin.
Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop swelling, stiffness, and pain in their joints. This form of the disease is called psoriatic arthritis.
4. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the myelin sheath, the protective coating that surrounds nerve cells, in your central nervous system. Damage to the myelin sheath slows the transmission speed of messages between your brain and spinal cord to and from the rest of your body.
This damage can lead to symptoms like numbness, weakness, balance issues, and trouble walking. The disease comes in several forms that progress at different rates. According to a 2012 studyTrusted Source, about 50 percent of people with MS need help walking within 15 years after the disease starts.
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Although doctors in the 1800s first described lupus as a skin disease because of the rash it commonly produces, the systemic form, which is most the common, actually affects many organs, including the joints, kidneys, brain, and heart.
Joint pain, fatigue, and rashes are among the most common symptoms.
6. Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestinal wall. Each type of IBD affects a different part of the GI tract.
- Crohn’s disease can inflame any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitisaffects only the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
7. Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease affects the adrenal glands, which produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone as well as androgen hormones. Having too little of cortisol can affect the way the body uses and stores carbohydrates and sugar (glucose). Deficiency of aldosterone will lead to sodium loss and excess potassium in the bloodstream.
Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and low blood sugar.
8. Graves’ disease
Graves’ disease attacks the thyroid gland in the neck, causing it to produce too much of its hormones. Thyroid hormones control the body’s energy usage, known as metabolism.
Having too much of these hormones revs up your body’s activities, causing symptoms like nervousness, a fast heartbeat, heat intolerance, and weight loss.
One potential symptom of this disease is bulging eyes, called exophthalmos. It can occur as a part of what is called Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which occurs in around 30 percent of those who have Graves’ disease, according to a 1993 studyTrusted Source.
9. Sjögren’s syndrome
This condition attacks the glands that provide lubrication to the eyes and mouth. The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth, but it may also affect the joints or skin.
10. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid hormone production slows to a deficiency. Symptoms include weight gain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, hair loss, and swelling of the thyroid (goiter).
11. Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis affects nerve impulses that help the brain control the muscles. When the communication from nerves to muscles is impaired, signals can’t direct the muscles to contract.
The most common symptom is muscle weakness that gets worse with activity and improves with rest. Often muscles that control eye movements, eyelid opening, swallowing, and facial movements are involved.
12. Autoimmune vasculitis
Autoimmune vasculitis happens when the immune system attacks blood vessels. The inflammation that results narrows the arteries and veins, allowing less blood to flow through them.
13. Pernicious anemia
This condition causes deficiency of a protein, made by stomach lining cells, known as intrinsic factor that is needed in order for the small intestine to absorb vitamin B-12 from food. Without enough of this vitamin, one will develop an anemia, and the body’s ability for proper DNA synthesis will be altered.
Pernicious anemia is more common in older adults. According to a 2012 study, it affects 0.1 percent of people in general, but nearly 2 percent of people over age 60.
14. Celiac disease
People with celiac disease can’t eat foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and other grain products. When gluten is in the small intestine, the immune system attacks this part of the gastrointestinal tract and causes inflammation.
A 2015 studyTrusted Source noted that celiac disease affects about 1 percent of people in the United States. A larger number of people have reported gluten sensitivity, which isn’t an autoimmune disease, but can have similar symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Autoimmune disease symptoms
The early symptoms of many autoimmune diseases are very similar, such as:
- fatigue
- achy muscles
- swelling and redness
- low-grade fever
- trouble concentrating
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- hair loss
- skin rashes
Individual diseases can also have their own unique symptoms. For example, type 1 diabetes causes extreme thirst, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD causes belly pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
With autoimmune diseases like psoriasis or RA, symptoms may come and go. A period of symptoms is called a flare-up. A period when the symptoms go away is called remission.
BOTTOM LINE: Symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, swelling, and redness could be signs of an autoimmune disease. Symptoms might come and go over time.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have symptoms of an autoimmune disease. You might need to visit a specialist, depending on the type of disease you have.
- Rheumatologists treat joint diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis as well as other autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome and SLE.
- Gastroenterologists treat diseases of the GI tract, such as celiac and Crohn’s disease.
- Endocrinologists treat conditions of the glands, including Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Addison’s disease.
- Dermatologists treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a specialist.
Tests that diagnose autoimmune diseases
No single test can diagnose most autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will use a combination of tests and a review of your symptoms and physical examination to diagnose you.
The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is often one of the first tests that doctors use when symptoms suggest an autoimmune disease. A positive test means you may have one of these diseases, but it won’t confirm exactly which one you have or if you have one for sure.
Other tests look for specific autoantibodies produced in certain autoimmune diseases. Your doctor might also do nonspecific tests to check for the inflammation these diseases produce in the body.
BOTTOM LINE: A positive ANA blood test may be indicative of an autoimmune disease. Your doctor can use your symptoms and other tests to confirm the diagnosis.https://2dc3efb806788cd576d472cb0998e401.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
How are autoimmune diseases treated?
Treatments can’t cure autoimmune diseases, but they can control the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation or at least reduce pain and inflammation. Drugs used to treat these conditions include:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn)
- immune-suppressing drugs
Treatments are also available to relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, fatigue, and skin rashes.
Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise may also help you feel better.
BOTTOM LINE: The main treatment for autoimmune diseases is with medications that bring down inflammation and calm the overactive immune response. Treatments can also help relieve symptoms.
The bottom line
More than 80 different autoimmune diseases exist. Often their symptoms overlap, making them hard to diagnose.
Autoimmune diseases are more common in women, and they often run in families.
Blood tests that look for autoantibodies can help doctors diagnose these conditions. Treatments include medications to calm the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation in the body.
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Last medically reviewed on March 21, 2019
12 sourcescollapsedHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Andres E, et al. (2012). Optimal management of pernicious anemia. DOI:
10.2147/JBM.S25620 - Barrie WE. (1993). Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1311781/ - Campbell, AW. (2014). Autoimmunity and the gut. DOI:
10.1155/2014/152428 - Goldenberg MM. (2012). Multiple sclerosis review.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3351877/ - Hayter SM, et al. (2012). Updated assessment of the prevalence, spectrum, and case definition of autoimmune disease. DOI:
10.1016/j.autrev.2012.02.00 - Lebwohl B, et al. (2015). Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. DOI:
10.1136/bmj.h4347 - Lerner A, et al. (2015). The world incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases is increasing. DOI:
10.12691/ijcd-3-4-8 - Manzel A, et al. (2014). Role of “Western diet” in inflammatory autoimmune diseases. DOI:
10.1007/s11882-013-0404-6 - Mueller RB, et al. (2014). Is radiographic progression of late-onset rheumatoid arthritis different from young-onset rheumatoid arthritis? Results from the Swiss prospective observational cohort. DOI:
10.1093/rheumatology/ket399 - Ritchlin CT, et al. (2017). Psoriatic arthritis. DOI:
10.1056/NEJMra1505557 - Stiemsma L, et al. (2015). The hygiene hypothesis: Current perspectives and future therapies. DOI:
10.2147/ITT.S61528 - The history of lupus. (n.d.).
lupus.org/resources/the-history-of-lupus
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Stephanie Watson — Updated on March 26, 2019
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