health
Mexican scientists seek to improve the diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico are advancing new methodologies to improve the diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, rare and complex diseases that often go unnoticed in clinical practice.
TL;DR
- UNAM researchers are studying idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, rare diseases where the immune system attacks muscles.
- Flow cytometry is being used to analyze blood samples for more precise identification of these conditions.
- These myopathies, also known as myositis, can affect organs like the heart, lungs, and skin, and may be linked to cancer.
- Symptoms include extreme fatigue and muscle weakness; the diseases are currently incurable.
- Due to low prevalence, these diseases are often underdiagnosed and confused with other autoimmune disorders.
- The research focuses on B cells, immune cells that produce antibodies, as potential biomarkers.
- Identifying B cell mechanisms and characteristics could improve diagnosis and clinical follow-up.
- Current diagnostic methods rely on limited clinical observation and non-specific lab tests.
- The project collaborates with specialists from the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán.