Autoimmune diseases corrupt our healthy immune system and make them attack healthy cells. Most are degenerative and life-threatening.

2. What are autoimmune diseases?
● Autoimmune diseases corrupt our healthy immune system and
make them attack healthy cells.
● Most are degenerative and life-threatening.

3. Types of Autoimmune Diseases

4. Autoimmune diseases of joints and muscles
Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Immune system attacks the joints
● Symptoms: soreness, stiffness, redness, and warmth in joints
Psoriasis
● Skin cells multiply at a rapid pace leading to extra build-up
● Symptoms: inflamed, red/purple patches with silver white/brown/gray scales all
over the body
30% of psoriasis patients also experience swelling, stiffness, and pain in their joints. This condition is called
psoriatic arthritis.

5. Autoimmune diseases of joints and muscles
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
● Affects joints, kidneys, heart, brain, among other organs
● Earliest symptoms: Rashes
Sjörgen’s Syndrome
● Affects glands that secrete lubrication for the eyes and mouth
● Symptoms: Dry mouth, dry eyes, dry skin, muscle/joint pain, rashes, fatigue, vaginal
dryness

6. Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
● Disrupts nerve impulses that help the brain to control muscle and movement
● Symptoms: Drooping eyelids, speech trouble, dysphagia, double vision, limb
weakness, inability to hold neck up
Multiple Sclerosis
● Attacks the central nervous system by damaging the myelin sheath
● Symptoms: Fatigue, vision problems, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness,
osteoporosis

7. Autoimmune diseases of the skin
Dermatomyositis
● Affects skin and weakens muscle
● Type of myopathy
● Leads to severe respiratory problems
● Symptoms: Dysphagia, reddish purple skin, shortness of breath, stiffness,
weakness, soreness
Psoriasis
(refer to slide 4)

8. Autoimmune diseases of the digestive tract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
● Inflammation along the lining the intestinal wall
● Symptoms: Diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, fever, weight loss, anaemia, abdominal
pain, malnutrition and delayed growth (in children)
Crohn’s disease - inflammation along any part of the GI tract (from mouth to anus)
Ulcerative colitis - inflammation along the lining of the large intestine and rectum
Celiac Disease
● Attacks small intestine
● Triggered by gluten
● Symptoms: Diarrhoea/ constipation, recurrent stomach ache, cramping, bloating,
anaemia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, folic acid deficiency

9. Autoimmune diseases of the endocrine system
Graves’ Disease
● Attacks the thyroid gland
● Results in hyperthyroidism
● Symptoms: Mood swings, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, weight loss, profuse
sweating, frequent bowel movements
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
● Slows down the secretion of thyroid hormone
● Leads to hypothyroidism
● Symptoms: Mild weight gain, constipation, dry skin, lethargy, joint stiffness, muscle
pain, bradycardia

10. Autoimmune diseases of the endocrine system
Addison’s Disease
● Attacks the adrenaline glands
● Disrupts production of cortisol, aldosterone, and androgen hormones
● Symptoms: Lethargy, muscle weakness, irritability, unintentional weight loss, salt
cravings, increased thirst
Other autoimmune diseases:
Type 1 Diabetes
Autoimmune Vasculitis: Caused by inflammation that narrows veins and arteries
Pernicious Anaemia: Disturbs stomach’s lining, leads to vitamin B12 deficiency

11. Risk factors of autoimmune diseases
● Family history
● Smoking
● Exposure to toxins
● Obesity
● Side effects of certain medications
● Being female - nearly 78% of autoimmune disease patients are women
● Already having one type of autoimmune disease

12. Diagnosing autoimmune diseases
Based on your symptoms, age, and medical history, the following tests may be advised
by your neurologist
● Antinuclear Antibody Test (ANA)
● Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
● Complete Blood Count (CBC)

13. Stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases
Mesenchymal stem cells’ (MSCs) immunomodulatory, tissue-protective and repair-promoting
properties have helped improve the quality of life of patients with autoimmune conditions,
manage their symptoms, and also regulate the immune system.
Plexus uses either autologous mesenchymal cells or cord cells depending upon the patient's
condition.
To know more, reach out to us today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)