In this article we will analyze Connective tissue disease from different perspectives, with the aim of delving into its importance and implications. Connective tissue disease is a topic that has gained relevance in recent years, generating debate and controversy in various areas. Through this exhaustive analysis, we aim to shed light on the different aspects surrounding Connective tissue disease, providing the reader with a complete and balanced vision. From its origins to its impact on today's society, we will examine every facet of Connective tissue disease to better understand its reach and meaning in the contemporary world. Using reliable sources and expert opinions, we will delve into an in-depth study that aims to open dialogue and encourage reflection on Connective tissue disease.
Connective tissue disease, also known as connective tissue disorder, or collagen vascular diseases, refers to any disorder that affects the connective tissue.[1] The body's structures are held together by connective tissues, consisting of two distinct proteins: elastin and collagen. Tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage, bone, and blood vessels are all made of collagen. Skin and ligaments contain elastin. The proteins and the body's surrounding tissues may suffer damage when these connective tissues become inflamed.[2]
The two main categories of connective tissue diseases are (1) a set of relatively rare genetic disorders affecting the primary structure of connective tissue, and (2) a variety of acquired diseases where the connective tissues are the site of multiple, more or less distinct immunological and inflammatory reactions.
Diseases in which inflammation or weakness of collagen tends to occur are also referred to as collagen diseases. Collagen vascular diseases can be (but are not necessarily) associated with collagen and blood vessel abnormalities that are autoimmune in nature.
Some connective tissue diseases have strong or weak genetic inheritance risks. Others may be due to environmental factors, or a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Classification
Connective tissue diseases can be classified into two groups: (1) a group of relatively rare genetic disorders affecting the primary structure of connective tissue; and (2) a number of acquired conditions where the connective tissues are the site of multiple, more or less distinct immune and inflammatory reactions.[1]
Heritable connective tissue disorders
Hereditary connective tissue disorders are a diverse set of broad, single-gene disorders that impact one or more of the main components of connective tissues, such as ground substance (glycosaminoglycans), collagen, or elastin. Many result in anomalies of the skeleton and joints, which can substantially impair normal growth and development. In contrast to acquired connective tissue diseases, these conditions are uncommon.[1]
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome - diverse collection of disorders distinguished by the fragility of soft connective tissues and widespread symptoms affecting the skin, ligaments, joints, blood vessels, and internal organs.[5]
Epidermolysis bullosa - hereditary, diverse grouping of rare genetic dermatoses that are marked by blisters and mucocutaneous fragility.[16]
Loeys–Dietz syndrome - autosomal dominant condition linked to a wide range of systemic manifestations, such as skeletal, cutaneous, vascular, and craniofacial abnormalities.[17]
Acquired connective tissue diseases share certain clinical features, such as joint inflammation, inflammation of serous membranes, and vasculitis, as well as a high frequency of involvement of various internal organs that are particularly rich in connective tissue.[1]
Sjögren syndrome - a systemic autoimmune illness that mostly affects the exocrine glands and causes mucosal surfaces, especially those in the mouth and eyes, to become extremely dry.[24]
Amyloidosis - uncommon condition caused by protein mutations or changes in the body that result in twisted clusters of malformed proteins accumulating on organs and tissues.[26]
Osteoarthritis - common articular cartilage degenerative disease linked to hypertrophic bone abnormalities.[27]
Relapsing polychondritis - uncommon multisystem autoimmune disease with an unclear etiology that is marked by progressive cartilaginous tissue loss and recurring episodes of inflammation.[29]
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease - unclassifiable systemic autoimmune disorders that do not meet any of the current classification requirements for connective tissue diseases yet have clinical and serological signs similar to connective tissue diseases.[31]
^Phornphutkul, Chanika; Introne, Wendy J.; Perry, Monique B.; Bernardini, Isa; Murphey, Mark D.; Fitzpatrick, Diana L.; Anderson, Paul D.; Huizing, Marjan; Anikster, Yair; Gerber, Lynn H.; Gahl, William A. (2002-12-26). "Natural History of Alkaptonuria". New England Journal of Medicine. 347 (26): 2111–2121. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa021736. ISSN0028-4793. PMID12501223.
^Stattin, E.-L.; Tegner, Y.; Domellöf, M.; Dahl, N. (2008). "Familial osteochondritis dissecans associated with early osteoarthritis and disproportionate short stature". Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 16 (8). Elsevier BV: 890–896. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2007.11.009. ISSN1063-4584. PMID18226555.
^Bardhan, Ajoy; Bruckner-Tuderman, Leena; Chapple, Iain L. C.; Fine, Jo-David; Harper, Natasha; Has, Cristina; Magin, Thomas M.; Marinkovich, M. Peter; Marshall, John F.; McGrath, John A.; Mellerio, Jemima E.; Polson, Rex; Heagerty, Adrian H. (2020-09-24). "Epidermolysis bullosa". Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 6 (1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC: 78. doi:10.1038/s41572-020-0210-0. ISSN2056-676X. PMID32973163.
^American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Rheumatoid Arthritis Guidelines (2002). "Guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis: 2002 Update". Arthritis & Rheumatism. 46 (2): 328–346. doi:10.1002/art.10148. ISSN0004-3591. PMID11840435.
^Mammen, Andrew L. (2010). "Dermatomyositis and polymyositis: Clinical presentation, autoantibodies, and pathogenesis". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1184 (1): 134–153. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05119.x. ISSN0077-8923. PMID20146695.
Spagnolo, Paolo; Cordier, Jean-François; Cottin, Vincent (2016-02-25). "Connective tissue diseases, multimorbidity and the ageing lung". European Respiratory Journal. 47 (5). European Respiratory Society (ERS): 1535–1558. doi:10.1183/13993003.00829-2015. ISSN0903-1936. PMID26917611.
Baildam, Eileen (2014). "Rare connective tissue diseases in childhood". Paediatrics and Child Health. 24 (2): 51–57. doi:10.1016/j.paed.2013.12.005.