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CAR-T Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases: A New Era in Treatment

By SWA
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues. This can lead to chronic inflammation, pain, and damage to organs and systems throughout the body. Diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) , Systemic Sclerosis , Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) , Myositis , Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) , and Myasthenia Gravis are among the most challenging autoimmune disorders to treat. In recent years, CAR-T cell therapy , originally developed to treat cancer, has emerged as a promising new approach for patients with severe autoimmune diseases who do not respond to conventional treatments. What Are CAR-T Cells? CAR-T stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy . It involves collecting a patient’s own T-cells from the bloodstream, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to express special receptors (CARs) on their surface, and reinfusing them into the patient. These modified cells can now recognize and eli...
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Selenium and Sodium: Their Divergent Roles in Thyroid and Kidney Disorders

By SWA
Selenium and sodium are essential micronutrients that play critical yet distinct roles in human physiology. While selenium is particularly significant in thyroid function and autoimmune thyroid disorders, sodium is vital for maintaining fluid balance and regulating blood pressure—functions that are especially important in renal health. This article explores the roles of these two elements in greater scientific depth, highlighting their implications for thyroid and kidney disorders, and discussing recent research findings that extend our understanding of their physiological importance. Selenium and Thyroid Function Selenium is a trace element crucial for the synthesis and activation of thyroid hormones. It is incorporated into selenoproteins, such as iodothyronine deiodinases , which convert the inactive prohormone thyroxine (T4) into the active triiodothyronine (T3). These enzymes are essential for the local and systemic regulation of thyroid hormone activity. Selenium and Hypothyr...
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Crossing Boundaries

By SWA
Behaviors such as lying, defensiveness, aggression, or passive submission often have neurological or hormonal origins. In many cases, a deep sense of helplessness underlies self-destructive behavior, eventually leading to social isolation. Aggressive individuals, paradoxically, often seek empathy—even when their aggression causes others to withdraw in self-protection. This retreat, though instinctive, prevents the very response the aggressor unconsciously craves: understanding and connection. Nevertheless, the aggressor bears the responsibility to recognize their behavior and seek appropriate help. At the same time, the recipient of such aggression has a fundamental right to defend themselves, including through emotional or physical distance. Unfortunately, aggressive individuals are often selfish and narcissistic in their behavior. They tend to project their unresolved domestic or social problems onto others and demand empathy and assistance—as though those around them are responsib...
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Brunner Syndrome: A Potential Cause of Mild Intellectual Disability with Paroxysmal Behavioral Symptoms

By SWA
  Brunner syndrome is a rare, X-linked recessive neurodevelopmental disorder that should be considered when evaluating individuals—particularly males—with mild intellectual disability (ID) accompanied by episodic behavioral disturbances. This syndrome, caused by mutations in the MAOA gene, presents with a distinct constellation of cognitive and behavioral features, including impulsivity, aggression, and social difficulties, making early recognition crucial for effective intervention. Genetic Basis Brunner syndrome results from mutations in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, which is located on the X chromosome. This gene encodes the enzyme monoamine oxidase A , responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Loss of MAOA function leads to elevated levels of these neurotransmitters, which are believed to contribute to the behavioral and cognitive features observed in the syndrome. Because the disorder is X-linked, it primarily...
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