119. Match the components of List I with those in the List II.
List I                                                                                                                   List II
A. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP                                  I. Thyroid
B. Hashimoto’s Disease                                                                              II. Gut
C. Celiac Disease                                                                                           III. Brain
D. Huntington Disease                                                                               IV. Platelets
(a) A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
(b) A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
(c) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
(d) A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Hashimoto’s, Celiac Disease, and Huntington’s Disease

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In this article, we’ll explore four autoimmune conditions — Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Hashimoto’s Disease, Celiac Disease, and Huntington’s Disease — and how they impact different organs in the body.

1. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts in the blood. Platelets, responsible for blood clotting, are destroyed by the body’s immune system, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. ITP primarily affects the platelets (Option IV), as the immune system produces antibodies that target them, which can result in easy bruising, excessive bleeding, and petechiae (small red spots on the skin).

2. Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease is a common autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sensitivity to cold. This disorder directly impacts the thyroid (Option I), which is responsible for regulating metabolism, energy, and hormonal balance in the body.

3. Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the gut (Option II). Over time, this damage can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, gastrointestinal distress, and a host of other symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue. Celiac disease can also lead to serious long-term complications if untreated, such as osteoporosis and infertility.

4. Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s Disease is a genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain (Option III). It is marked by cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms. The disease is caused by mutations in the HTT gene, leading to the production of an abnormal protein that causes damage to the brain over time.

Answer Key for Matching:

• A. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): IV. Platelets

• B. Hashimoto’s Disease: I. Thyroid

• C. Celiac Disease: II. Gut

• D. Huntington’s Disease: III. Brain

The correct match is (d) A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III.

Conclusion

Understanding autoimmune disorders like Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Hashimoto’s Disease, Celiac Disease, and Huntington’s Disease is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. By knowing the impact on different body systems such as platelets, thyroid, gut, and brain, individuals can better manage these conditions with medical support and lifestyle changes.