BMC Immunology has published this Collection on The digestive system and autoimmunity.
The incidence of autoimmune diseases is increasing worldwide, particularly in regions where the prevalence of such diseases has historically been low. Evidence shows that risk factors for autoimmune diseases include a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle. Global changes in behaviors and lifestyle are hypothesized to be contributing factors to these reported increases.
Recent studies have explored the relationship between the gut microbiota and various autoimmune diseases, as well as the link between autoimmune diseases and increasing exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants like xenobiotics and microplastics. Digestive autoimmune conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis impose a significant burden on patients as chronic and debilitating conditions, reducing well-being, requiring careful patient management, and increasing the risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease.
Recognizing this growing challenge to global health and well-being, BMC Immunology has published this Collection titled "The digestive system and autoimmunity." This collection aimed to outline molecular, cellular, and organism-level research that improves our understanding of the underlying mechanisms causing autoimmune diseases affecting the digestive system. The Collection includes research related to:
- In vitro and in vivo models of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases
- Signaling, crosstalk, and regulation in gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases
- Inflammation in gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases
- Immunogenetic causes of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases
- The role of the gut microbiota in autoimmune diseases
- The effect of environmental factors on gastrointestinal autoimmunity and immune system dysregulation
- The effect of environmental toxins and pollutants on gastrointestinal autoimmunity and immune system dysregulation
- Clinical studies and immunotherapies for gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases
- Immunological mechanisms in the context of gastrointestinal diseases
By compiling research related to The digestive system and autoimmunity, BMC Immunology aimed to support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing by fostering a comprehensive understanding of autoimmune diseases affecting the digestive system and the fundamental immunological mechanisms underlying them.
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