This review article explores how exposure to heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and gold can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. The authors discuss mechanisms including the modification of self-antigens, disruption of immune tolerance, and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The article highlights evidence from both human epidemiological
This 2011 review explores the autoimmune mechanisms underlying primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), with a focus on the clonal selection theory. It outlines how loss of immune tolerance to mitochondrial autoantigens, especially the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2), triggers clonal expansion of autoreactive B and T cells. The
This 2020 review explores the connection between increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and autoimmune diseases. It discusses how disruptions in tight junctions of the intestinal epithelium allow translocation of microbes and antigens, triggering immune responses that may lead to autoimmunity. Factors such as diet, stress, infections, and medications can contribute
This 2021 observational study titled “The Effects of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy on Regulatory T-Cell Responses in Multiple Sclerosis Patients” (Cell Biology International, DOI: [10.1002/cbin.11589*) investigated how medical ozone therapy impacts immune regulation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that ozone therapy significantly increased the frequency and suppressive function
