Self-destruction: When superheroes turn into villains (Osmosis Jones)

 

Self-destruction: When superheroes turn into villains (Osmosis Jones)

What comes to your mind when you think of superheroes? Superman? Batman? Spiderman? Well, it would not be surprising if that is what comes to your mind. But do you know who are the real superheroes? Our white blood cells. Part of our immune system, white blood cells are heroes that protect our bodies from infections. They have all sorts of tricks up their selves from producing anti-bodies to engulfing the pathogen. The movie Osmosis Jones provides a brilliant perspective on and illustration of the mind-blowing workings of the immune system.

 


Credit: https://moot.us/lounges/10/boards/70/posts/2670421/never-fear-osmosis-jones-is-here


You can sleep peacefully every night, knowing that your immune system is working hard to protect you from all the infections and pathogens that can potentially cause harm. But what would happen if the superheroes of our body turn into villains? Yes, you read that right.

 


Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/78109374762426648/

 

Let me introduce to the world of autoimmune disorders. According to WebMD (Hoffman, 2022), autoimmune disorders or immunity system disorders hamper the immune system’s ability to fight the pathogens which in turn makes the body susceptible and vulnerable to infections. Furthermore, the immune system may also begin to produce such a response that can it start attacking body’s own tissues, instead of fighting the infection. Imagine an army not only failing to fight the opposing army, but also attacking its own country. Scary, right? Unfortunately, something similar is happening inside the bodies of people suffering from diseases like Psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis Lupus and Type I diabetes. These diseases can be categorised into different types such as diseases of the joints and muscles, diseases of the digestive tract, diseases of the skin and diseases of the nervous system. The symptoms of each type of disease varies. For example, for diseases of skin an individual might experience symptoms like rashes and itches; whereas, the symptoms of diseases of the digestive tract include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and acid reflux (Orbai, n.d.).

 

Credit: https://drbonnie360.com/2018/07/24/the-oral-origins-of-autoimmune-diseases/

 

One is intrigued by the thought of what causes our immune system to do the opposite of what it is supposed to do. Well, researchers do not exactly know what causes such diseases, but some plausible factors include genetics, diet and exposure to chemicals. Environmental triggers such as drugs, bacteria, viruses, food, pollutants, hormones and even stress can also set off the disorder. As uncertain as researchers are about the causes of the diseases, there is no cure for autoimmune diseases. However, treatments can help control the overactive immune response and bring down inflammation or at least reduce pain. Moreover, a well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help in coping with the disease (Orbai, n.d.).

Now that we have established some basic understanding about what autoimmune diseases are, let us learn about the daily live and challenges of a person suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an auto immune disease. Multiple Sclerosis is a potentially disabling disease of the spinal cord and brain in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibres, causing communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Greg and Nancy, in the video reference given below, share their experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis as a couple for more than 47 years. Greg (2021) was diagnosed with chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 1975, just one year after his marriage. His diagnosis was determined after Greg’s one side of the body got paralysed, later he was able to recover from it. The disease has hampered Greg’s ability to effectively communicate, walk, concentrate and remember things. Moreover, due to treatment and weakened immune system, Greg has to be extremely careful about contracting any infection. In case, he catches one his health deteriorates due to which he has to go to rehab to recover. Nancy, Greg’s wife, expressed her frustration with people who do not know how patiently interact with people with Multiple Sclerosis, and other disabilities in general. Even though Greg is aware of his deteriorating health condition and how it has prevented him from continuing his teaching job that he absolutely loved, he has come in terms with his condition and has decided to have positive outlook on life.



Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDd1OYgViZ0

It is quite unfortunate to learn that, as of today, there is no cure for autoimmune diseases. However, one should not lose hope in the field of medicine and science. Experts, in the upcoming decades, aim to focus on immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases. The therapy would be designed to repress specific autoimmune disease while leaving the rest of the immune system functionally active to fight infections by using suppressive immunotherapies (Wraith, 2017).

Of course, it is not as simple as it sounds and it is, indeed, a very complex process. Just like fictional superheroes have different characteristics, superpowers and ways to fight their villains, so do our white blood cells. Hence, it is important that the only the superhero-turned-villain is attacked without causing any harm to other superheroes.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases using additional links:

Lupus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgfFcpAD9XQ

Rheumatoid Arthritis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc-9dfem3lM

Type I diabetes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxbbBmbvu7I

 

 

 

Bibliography

Hoffman, M. (2022). What Are Autoimmune Disorders? Retrieved from Web MD: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/autoimmune-diseases

kids, S. b. (2021). Married with Multiple Sclerosis for 47 Years (Chronic Progressive MS). Retrieved from YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDd1OYgViZ0&t=601s

Orbai, A.-M. (n.d.). John Hopkins Medicine . Retrieved from What Are Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease?: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-are-common-symptoms-of-autoimmune-disease#:~:text=Autoimmune%20disease%20happens%20when%20the,wide%20range%20of%20body%20parts.

Wraith, D. (2017). The Future of Immunotherapy: A 20-Year Perspective. Retrieved from Frountiers : https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01668/full

 

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