Hyperthyroidism

        The hormones required for the body’s functions such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, homeostasis, some immunological functions, etc. are produced by endocrine glands which constitute the endocrine system. The endocrine system regulates all body processes by releasing necessary hormones. If this system fails to function or doesn’t perform rightly, it causes endocrine disorders. 

The hormone imbalance (too high amount of hormones or very little amount of hormones) can lead to disorders. Examples are acromegaly, diabetes mellitus, pituitary disorders, thyroid disorders (hypo & hyperthyroidism), etc.

Let us learn about one of the examples of hyperthyroidism.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

It is a condition in which the thyroid glands release an excess amount of thyroid hormones {triiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4)} than the body requires. This happens when the thyroid glands are overactive. Females are more prone to this disorder compared to males.

What are the causes?

    1. Inflammation of thyroid gland – thyroiditis

    2. Thyroid nodules

    3. Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disease

    4. Intake of excess iodine

    5. Some medications

Symptoms

    1. Weight loss 

    2. Increased appetite

    3. Rapid heartbeat

    4. Recurrent bowel movement

    5. Fatigue

    6. Nervousness

    7. Problems in sleeping

    8. Swelling in the neck (Goiter – enlarged thyroid glands)

    9. Uncontrolled sweating

    10.  Changes in vision

    11.  Muscle Weakness

Diagnosis

• Blood test - The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4 in blood are checked. This is called thyroid functioning test. The low levels of TSH and high levels of T3 and T4 indicate the disorder.
• Thyroid scan and ultrasound - To check for the lumps present in the thyroid gland

Treatment

• Antithyroid medications – Methimazole (inhibit the overproduction of thyroid               hormones)
•  Beta-blockers – To reduce the symptoms of the hyperthyroidism
•  Radioactive iodine – Radiotherapy method to demolish the cells in the thyroid gland 
•  Surgery – Removal of thyroid gland

References

• Written By Healthgrades Editorial Staff Updated on May 27. (2022, May 29). Endocrine disorders: Types, causes, treatments. Healthgrades. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/endocrinology-and-metabolism/endocrine-disorders

• NHS website. (2021a, November 18). Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overactive-thyroid-hyperthyroidism

Central Dogma

Hi Everyone, 

        What is the term Central Dogma? The process of conversion of DNA into RNA and then into functional protein is known as central dogma. In simple terms, the flow of information in the DNA into a functional protein. This term was introduced by Francis Crick in 1958. This involves,

1. Replication - Making new DNA from the existing one.

2. Transcription - Conversion of DNA to RNA.

3. Translation - Conversation of RNA to proteins. 

    Our DNA carries all information needed to produce the required proteins. During transcription, the information in the DNA is converted to small RNA messages. These messages are converted to specific proteins in ribosomes during translation. The process of transcription and translation together is called gene expression.

Note:

    Although central dogma explains how genetic information flows, there are some deviations in this concept. An example is non-coding RNA (ncRNA). This transcribed RNA doesn't convert into proteins. The role of ncRNA is being studied. 

Let us study more about non-coding RNA in our next blog.

Thank you!

Reference:

• What is the ‘Central Dogma’? (n.d.). @Yourgenome · Science Website. https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-the-central-dogma/

Antigens and Antibodies

Hi Everyone, 

        Let us continue our learning process. In this blog, we are going to learn about antigens and antibodies. We have already learned about pathogens.

 

        Well, pathogens are the infectious foreign microbes that cause diseases. The immune system persistently checks for foreign molecules. Once the foreign pathogens attack, the immune response is developed by white blood cells.  These white blood cells can differentiate their own cells and foreign cells by surface molecules. Foreign molecules that activate immune responses are called antigens. The surface of pathogens has different antigens which have different shapes. Moreover, different pathogens have different antigens. 

        White blood cells specifically B-lymphocytes produce antibodies when antigens attack the human body. Antibodies are Y-shaped protein molecules that recognizes specific antigens and bind with them in lock and key manner. These B-lymphocytes eliminate antigens and halt the infection.

Important points:

1. Since the antigens have different shapes, antibodies produced against one particular pathogen won't able to attack other pathogens.

2. Vaccine shots produce immunity by producing Antibodies against a particular pathogens.

Thank you!

References:

• What’s the Difference Between Antigens and Antibodies? (2021, March 4). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/antigen-vs-antibody