Related Experiment Videos
An update on selected connective tissue diseases in adolescents
David G Gamboa1, Jeffrey L Sugarman
1Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, Oakland, USA.
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|July 16, 2008
Summary
Recent advances in autoimmune disorders like lupus and juvenile dermatomyositis offer more targeted treatments for adolescents. Pediatricians can now utilize novel therapies for better management of these complex connective tissue diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Connective Tissue Diseases
Background:
- Adolescent autoimmune disorders present unique challenges due to multiorgan involvement and chronic treatment needs.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, and juvenile localized scleroderma are key conditions requiring specialized care.
- Understanding the interplay between immune dysregulation and clinical manifestations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding adolescent autoimmune disorders.
- To highlight key findings relevant to pediatricians in managing these conditions.
- To discuss novel therapeutic approaches for connective tissue diseases in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications on adolescent autoimmune disorders.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on pathogenesis and clinical features.
- Identification of emerging therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Improved understanding of disease pathogenesis has led to more targeted therapies.
- Novel treatments demonstrate greater efficacy compared to traditional approaches.
- Advances offer improved management options for juvenile connective tissue diseases.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians should be aware of recent literature updates for optimal patient care.
- New insights facilitate more effective and precise treatment strategies.
- Continued research is vital for advancing care in adolescent autoimmune conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Connective Tissue Cell Types
Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Introduction to Connective Tissues
Connective tissues are one of the four main tissue types in humans that are extensively present in the body. They are characterized by cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of a ground substance and three main types of protein fibers— collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. The ground substance of connective tissues can range from a watery and jelly-like consistency to mineralized and hard. The wide variety of cells in the connective tissues include fibroblasts, osteocytes,...
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Fluid Connective Tissues: Blood and Lymph
Blood and lymph are fluid connective tissues. They contain cells, also known as formed elements, circulating in a liquid extracellular matrix, the plasma. The formed elements are derived from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Blood and lymph connect all vital parts and carry nutrients, oxygen, and other essential molecules like antibodies.
Blood
The blood flows through blood vessels— arteries, capillaries, and veins. Blood plasma is primarily made of proteins, solutes, and water.
Blood
The blood flows through blood vessels— arteries, capillaries, and veins. Blood plasma is primarily made of proteins, solutes, and water.
Overview of Connective Tissues Proper
Connective tissue proper is a class of connective tissue that encompasses all mature connective tissues except bone, cartilage, blood, and lymph. This extensive class of tissues has two subclasses — loose and dense connective tissues — classified based on the protein fiber arrangement and the amount of ground substance.
The loose connective tissues have a meshwork of thin collagen and elastin fibers, which provide tensile strength for support and enough elasticity to move cells. They have...
The loose connective tissues have a meshwork of thin collagen and elastin fibers, which provide tensile strength for support and enough elasticity to move cells. They have...