Cause 7. Autoimmune Diseases and the Onset of Amyloidosis: The Immune System’s Role in Protein Accumulation
In the complex web of factors contributing to the development of amyloidosis, autoimmune diseases hold a prominent position. These conditions, characterized by the immune system erroneously attacking healthy tissues in the body, can trigger the onset of secondary amyloidosis (AA amyloidosis).
The inflammatory response is a common characteristic of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren’s syndrome. This inflammation results in an overproduction of serum amyloid A protein (SAA), which, when present in high quantities over extended periods, can fragment into amyloid A proteins. As we’ve seen, these proteins have the potential to misfold and form amyloid fibrils – the hallmark of amyloidosis.
Accumulations of these fibrils in various organs and tissues can disrupt their normal function, leading to the broad range of symptoms seen in amyloidosis. The management of autoimmune diseases can be complex, requiring a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. A critical goal in the treatment of these diseases is the effective control of inflammation, which can not only alleviate symptoms but also reduce the risk of complications, such as secondary amyloidosis.(7)
