Claims that man flu 'really exists' are unsupported

Conclusion This small laboratory study points to specific biological mechanisms that might explain why women are more likely to suffer autoimmune disorders, such as SLE, than men. It found the second silenced copy of the X chromosome in women can be partially reactivated and express immune-related genes, instead of staying completely silent. Though this is a plausible reason for the overactive immune system found in SLE, it does not explain why men can also have the condition. Also, only SLE was investigated in this study and with blood samples from just five children with the condition. It is not clear at this stage how these findings fit into the cause of SLE and whether similar mechanisms are at play for other autoimmune disorders. There are other nuances in the results that mean this biological mechanism is not clear cut. For example, the researchers found the X chromosome silencing was affected by whether the immune cell was inactive (waiting around to fight an infection) or active (actively fighting infection by multiplying, producing antibodies, and calling on other parts of the immune system to join the party). The results suggested that in inactive immune cells – those lazing about waiting for action – the silenced X chromosome was in a state of potential or partial reactivation, but when the cell was activated – and the fight was actually on – the silencing mechanism kicked in a little stronger to suppress the X more fully. These subtleties need a ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Medical practice Source Type: news