Q&A about health and research

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, which is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, just below your Adam's apple. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by producing hormones, primarily triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones help control your metabolism, energy production, and many other processes in your body. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to a range of symptoms and potential health problems. This condition can occur for several reasons: Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto's Disease): This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the thyroid gland. Over time, this damage can reduce the gland's ability to produce hormones. Surgical Removal or Radiation Therapy: If you've had surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland or...

Amyloid Deposits in Skeletal Muscle: Associated Illnesses and Conditions Amyloid deposits in skeletal muscle can be associated with various illnesses and conditions, each impacting muscle function and leading to a range of symptoms. The specific type of amyloidosis and its underlying cause will determine the related illness. Here are some illnesses and conditions associated with amyloid deposits in skeletal muscle: AL Amyloidosis (Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis) AL amyloidosis is a primary amyloidosis caused by the abnormal production of immunoglobulin light chains by plasma cells in the bone marrow. These light chains can deposit in various tissues, including skeletal muscle, leading to muscle weakness, pain, and dysfunction. This condition often presents with symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and organ dysfunction, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment . ATTR Amyloidosis (Transthyretin Amyloidosis) ATTR amyloidosis can affect skeletal muscle, particularly i...

Could a virus be the stimulus for cytokine production?   It is well established, but rarely  tested, that a cytokine storm is an overactive immune response characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. ( ANA, CRP, and CBC tests are necessary) It can occur in various conditions, such as severe infections (e.g., COVID-19), (and other viruses), autoimmune diseases, and after certain treatments.  Serositis and lymphopenia are common features of systemic lupus erythematosus following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report and literature review These cells are called NKG2D+CD8+ T cells and researchers say their aggressive response is responsible for neurological damage suffered from infections beyond just Zika, like COVID-19 and even septic shock. The aggressive response is the result of the body producing large amounts of inflammatory proteins called cytokines, which in moderation help to coordinate the body’s response in battling an infection...