Autoimmunity Associated With PCOS
The immune system exists in almost all complex life forms. The main function of the immune system is to defend the body from germs and other foreign invaders. It produces antibodies to fight off such invaders. Any such substance that triggers an immune response in this way is referred to as an antigen. For the immune system to function appropriately, it must be able to distinguish cells that are internally formed substances from those that are non-self or foreign. An autoimmune disease develops when the immune system, which defends body against disease, decides the body’s own cells as foreign. As a result, the immune system attacks body’s own cells. Autoimmunity is classified as organ specific and non-organ specific autoimmunity. Depending on the type, an autoimmune disease can affect one or many different types of body tissue(s). It can also cause abnormal organ growth and changes in organ function. In this way, autoimmunity is also related to the Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome.
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