BBC Start The Week programme about a book on Inflammation

[Omanain]

Some of you will remember the BBC Start the week programme a while ago that discussed The Inflamed Mind by Edward Bullmore.

This is an extract about the immune system that has helped to understand something of what is going on in our bodies when we have PMR. Hope you find it interesting as well-

"Rheumatoid disease is caused by the immune system attacking the body — the self — rather than a hostile, infectious enemy — the non-self. The immune system of a rheumatoid patient churns out "bad" auto-anti- bodies that are designed specifically to bind to the "good" antibodies in the patient's own body. It is as if one part of the immune system thinks the body is under infectious attack by the antibodies produced by another part of the immune

system. The immune system starts fighting with itself, pitting "bad" versus "good" antibodies, and then, to make matters worse, the macrophages pile in. The macrophages lurking in the joints and elsewhere in the body jump to the (wrong) conclusion that if there are a lot of auto-antibodies in circulation, there must be a real enemy in the vicinity. So they start churning out cytokines and spewing out their toxic exhaust, inflaming the joints and carpet-bombing the local neighbourhood. And this can go on for years, because the immune system will not easily be able to eliminate a threat which originates in itself."

[markbenjamin57]

Thanks Omanain. Although I'm no expert, Ted Bullmore's explanation sounds spot-on in terms of PMR and I'm sure you'll get a lot of interest in this one!

[Louisepenygraig]

Thanks for sharing that. It's quite a graphic description isn't It!

[Hollyseden]

Quite a graphic description that a lot of us can relate to.

[Brantuk]

Yup - good description of what's going on with the immune system which will help some folks to understand their illness (and treatment) much better.

[Hidden]

Great explanation. Thanks.

[Nerak12]

Thanks Omanain. That’s a great description. I’m sorry I missed the programme. I will try and get the book.

[Hidden]

Wow! Amazing, thanks for posting!!!!

[Jackoh]

Explained so well!! 👍

[bunnymom]

Yes indeed my neighborhood has been car bombed 💣 Thanks for the post.

[SheffieldJane]

Certainly feels like there is an epic battle going on!

[artfingers]

I love this and in words that I can understand. Makes so much sense. I shall share this with my family who really don't always "get it". Thank you!