Autoimmune diseases in general are more common in women, but this new finding is the first to link sun exposure to the develop of this type of disease in women. The research also found that men did not seem to develop autoimmune diseases as a result of the same sun exposure.

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Post from: Blisstree

Autoimmune Disease From the Sun

While this new information is another piece of the puzzle, it doesn’t define the causes of autism. However, medical professionals speculate that “it’s possible babies are affected by their mother’s antibodies while in the womb.”

As a Type 1 diabetic myself, I can’t help but wonder whether this information could also add to that of diabetic research. After all, if it’s possible that babies are indeed affected by the antibodies in their mother’s womb, couldn’t that be a cause of Type 1 diabetes in some people as well?

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Post from: Blisstree

Autism May Be Linked to Autoimmune Disease

A new study also suggests that EGCG may also provide therapeutic benefits to people with rheumatoid arthritis.

The researchers looked at whether the green tea compound has the capability to block the activity of two potent molecules, IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which also are actively involved in causing bone erosion in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis.

[In untreated cells], a sequence of molecular events occurred that resulted in production of the bone-destructive molecules. But the scientists found that pre-incubation with EGCG was capable of inhibiting the production of these molecules. EGCG also inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2, a hormone-like substance that causes inflammation in the joints.

Of course, this study, having used cell models, is still far from conclusive. Similar therapeutic or preventive effects will still have to be demonstrated in animal, and subsequently, human trials.

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Green Tea Compound May Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers studied the salivary glands of the water-consuming group and a green tea extract-consuming group to look for inflammation and the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells that gather at sites of inflammation to fend off foreign cells.

The group treated with green tea had significantly fewer lymphocytes, Dr. Hsu says. Their blood also showed lower levels of autoantibodies, protein weapons produced when the immune system attacks itself, he says.

Researchers believe that epigallo-catechin-3 gallate (ECGC), a compound found in green tea, helps suppress inflammation, and protects against TNF-alpha, a group of proteins and molecules involved in systemic inflammation.

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Green Tea May Help Prevent Autoimmune Disease