Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis: The Rare Autoimmune Disease

Adil Loukah

Biology 2401-Summer 1-2016

Helen McDowell

07/07/2016

Abstract

The immune system typically defends the body against diseases, but sometimes it can turn against the body, causing an autoimmune disease. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is just one of many autoimmune diseases, in which the army of immune cells mistakenly attacks cells and proteins that have important functions in the body. The estimated number of MG patients had doubled in the last 15 years.

MG is an uncommon disorder characterized by generating autoantibodies against proteins of the postsynaptic membrane in the neuromuscular junction. MG causes weakness of the skeletal muscles, which most often starts in the muscles around the eyes, causing drooping of the eyelids and difficulty coordinating eye movements. The causes leading to the disease are not clearly known, however, in various studies, scientists have implicated genetics, immune system, and hormones in MG susceptibility by pointing at the association of PTPN22, Thymus glande, and estrogen hormone with a number of autoimmune diseases including MG

Multiple tests may be used to establish a diagnosis of MG such as: blood test to reveal the presence of the specific antibodies, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging scan of the chest to look for a tumor, nerve conduction studies, electromyography to check the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles, pulmonary function tests to measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning, and edrophonium test to temporarily increase the amount of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction.

There are many possible treatments for MG, however, there is no way to prevent it once the disease has developed, as the cause of MG remains unclear. While there may be ways to prevent the worsening symptoms such as having plenty of rest, avoiding strenuous and exhausting activities, excessive heat and cold,...