Histological changes in tissues in autoimmune diseases: pathogenetic mechanisms and morphological manifestations

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a malfunction of the immune system, in which it attacks the body's own tissues. Histological studies, which allow for the identification of structural changes in affected tissues, play a key role in understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this study, an analysis of histological changes in tissues affected by autoimmune diseases was conducted. Methods of light and electron microscopy were used for detailed study of morphological changes. Additionally, immunohistochemical methods were applied to assess the expression of specific markers of inflammation and cellular interactions. The study showed that autoimmune diseases cause significant changes at the cellular and tissue levels. The main morphological manifestations are tissue infiltration by immunocompetent cells, destructive changes in cellular structures, and elements of fibrosis. In particular, multiple foci of necrosis and interstitial fibrosis were observed in systemic lupus erythematosus. In rheumatoid arthritis, pronounced inflammatory infiltrates with a predominance of lymphocytes and macrophages were identified. In tissues affected by autoimmune thyroiditis, a significant increase in the number of follicular cells and destruction of colloid were noted. The data obtained confirm the hypothesis that histological changes in autoimmune diseases are caused both by the direct damaging action of autoantibodies and by mediated mechanisms of inflammation. The identified morphological features can serve as markers of disease activity and help in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease course. Histological studies of tissues in autoimmune diseases allow for a deeper understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms and the identification of key morphological changes, which, in turn, contributes to the development of more effective methods of diagnosis and therapy for these diseases.