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  1. Inflammatory diseases can have a significant impact on the four major types of tissue in the body. Generally speaking, these issues arise from infection, injury, autoimmune disorders and or genetic susceptibilities. Recovering from inflammatory response is largely predicated on where the event occurred and the amount of damage done prior to intervention. Central to the inflammatory response is the respective macrophages located in the various tissues; Microglia (brain), Schwann cells (PNS) and osteoclasts (bone). Through this interaction the body’s innate immune system and acquired immune system can effectively identify pathogens, necrotic cells or foreign substances to recruit immune cells and activate antibodies. Just as there are anti-inflammatory messengers sent by bacteria-detecting macrophages, there are also pro-inflammatory chemical signals which sustain the inflammation process, detrimental to the body’s health. Inflammatory disease of the muscle tissue is referred to as inflammatory myopathies and is characterized, symptomatically, with muscle weakness and in some instances muscle degeneration (atrophy). This is caused by the activity of phagocytes which results in fibrosis or tissue scaring in muscle tissue and supporting connective tissue. In some instances, such as Inclusion body Myositis, it is the over production of white blood cells and their phagocytic enzymes that destroy healthy myofibrils in their quest to attack necrotic ones. One of the most common examples of inflammatory response in epithelium tissue is asthma. In this instance it is the body’s response to a perceived toxin (allergen) that effectively narrows and inflames the respiratory tract. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an example of an inflammatory disease of the center nervous system. MS is characterized as macrophage-containing active lesions in both white and grey matter. The condition ultimately leads to demyelination of neurons which exposes the axon. The prognosis for recovery of inflammatory responses is much higher in muscle and epithelium tissue then it is in the CNS.

    Brent Pfeiffer

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