Rheumatology: Current Research
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Editorial Note on Connective Tissue Diseases

Kineya Tarefa^{* *}Correspondence: Kineya Tarefa, Department of Osteoarthritis, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia, Email:

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Description

Connective tissue disease is a term used to describe a set of conditions that affect the protein-rich tissue that supports organs and other bodily parts. Fat, bone, and cartilage are examples of connective tissue. The eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and blood vessels are typically involved in these ailments, but they can also affect other organs and organ systems, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. The connective tissue is affected by more than 200 diseases. The different categories have different causes and symptoms.

Inherited disorders of connective tissue

Changes in certain genes cause some connective tissue diseases, which are referred to as Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue (HDCTs). Many of these are quite uncommon. Some of the more common ones are listed below:

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): EDS is a set of more than ten disorders marked by overly flexible joints, elastic skin, and abnormal scar tissue formation. The symptoms might range from minor to severe. Other symptoms, depending on the type of EDS, may include:

• The spine is curved.

• Blood vessels that are weakened.

• Bleeding gums.

• Issues with the lungs, heart valves, or digestive system.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB): People with EB have skin that is so sensitive that a small bump, stumble, or even friction from clothing can cause it to tear or blister. Some types of EB affect the digestive system, respiratory system, muscles, and bladder. EB is frequently visible at birth and is caused by abnormalities in many proteins in the skin.

Marfan syndrome: It is a condition that affects people of all ages the bones, ligaments, eyes, heart, and blood vessels are all affected by Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome patients are often tall, with long bones and slender "spider-like" fingers and toes. Other issues include improper placement of the eye lens and swelling of the aorta (the biggest artery in the body), which can result in a deadly rupture. Mutations in the gene that controls the structure of a protein called fibrillin-1 cause Marfan syndrome.

Osteogenesis imperfecta: Brittle bones, low muscle mass and lax joints and ligaments are all symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta. This disorder comes in a variety of forms. Symptoms vary depending on the type, but they may include:

• The whites of the eyes have a blue or grey hue to them.

• Skin that is thin.

• The spine is curved.

• Breathing difficulties.

• Hearing loss is a common problem.

• Teeth that is easily broken.

A mutation in two genes responsible for type 1 collagen causes a reduction in the amount or quality of the protein, resulting in the condition. Type 1 collagen is essential for bone and skin structure.

Autoimmune diseases: The cause of various types of connective tissue disease is unknown. Researchers believe that something in the surroundings of those who are genetically vulnerable may trigger the illness in some situations. In these diseases, the body's normally protective immune system produces antibodies that target the body's own tissues for attack.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is a type of arthritis that affects the joints (RA). Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system assaults the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints and causes pain, stiffness, warmth, edoema, and inflammation throughout the body. Other signs and symptoms could include:

• Fatigue

• Anemia

• Fever

• Appetite loss

Permanent joint deterioration and deformity can occur as a result of RA.

Sjogren's syndrome: It is a type of autoimmune disease. Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets the glands that produce moisture, such as those in the eyes and lips. The symptoms might range from mildly annoying to completely incapacitating. Sjogren's disease is characterised by dry eyes and mouth, but many people also report acute weariness and joint discomfort. The illness also raises the chance of cancer and can affect the kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, and digestive system, as well as causing neurological difficulties.