ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
IOANNOY GEORGE
PANTELI MICHALIS
A.M. : 27284
A.M. : 27275
THESSALONIKI 2003-2004
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Contents
1. The Immune System: An Overview
 The primary lymph organs
 The secondary lymph organs
2. The Immune System: Diseases, disorders or problems that may occur
 AIDS
 Leukemia
 Allergies
3. The Immune System: How to maintain a healthy system
 Keep the body Alkaline
 Supplements
4. List of Medical Words
5. List of Academic Words
6. Bibliography and Resources
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The Immune System: An Overview
Immune system are called the organs responsible for immunity. These organs
are divided into primary and secondary lymphoid organs.
The primary lymphoid organs are:
1. Thymus
2. The bone marrow
The secondary lymph organs are:
1. The lymph nodes
2. The lymphoid aggregates, which are:
 The spleen
 Tonsils
 Gastrointestinal lymph tissue
 Payer’s patches
The immune system is very complex. Vitamins and minerals are important
components of many of the chemical messengers produced by immune cells.
Basically, there are two parts of the immune system; one is called the humoral
immune system and the other is called the cellular immune system. The humoral
part is responsible for the production of antibodies and memory (acquired
immunity) and the cellular part (natural immunity) protects without prior exposure
to foreign substances.
The other side, the natural or innate system includes, skin, mucous membranes,
complement, phagocytes, and macrophage-derived cytokines (chemicals from
cells). The Phagocytes make up the second major cell population of the immune
system. The macrophage is a principle form of phagocyte. In the 1970's it was
observed that macrophages infiltrate tumors and speculated that this infiltration
was the first line of defense against metastatic spread. Tumor associated
macrophages have been identified in several species and there is little doubt that
the macrophage plays an important role in the host-tumor relationship. Since
macrophages infiltrate tumors it is likely that they are the first line of defense
against the spread of tumors. These cells take up other particles and foreign
invaders such as microbes and represent the clearest example of cells that are
critical for natural immunity (they also play a role in acquired immunity).
Macrophages are one of the principal cell types involved in natural immunity,
they swallow-up foreign particles and destroy or process them. These cells
release enzymes and other substances that kill microbes and tumor cells and
control the spread of infection. Often the release of these chemicals can
damage normal tissues in the immediate area, leading to inflammation.
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Macrophages produce chemicals that signal other immune cells to the site of
infection and produce such effects as fever. Macrophages also produce growth
factors for cells that repair injured tissues. These cells do play various important
roles in the progression of acquired immune responses as well.
Bacteria are capable of growing outside of cells, in circulation, in connective
tissue and in spaces and airways in the human body. These microorganisms
can cause disease in two basic ways. First, they induce inflammation that
damages surrounding tissue. Second, bacteria produce toxins with differing
effects. Such toxins may be endotoxins, which are parts of the broken bacterial
cell wall, or exotoxins, which the bacteria make and release.One type of
endotoxin, a polysaccharide (similar to beta glucan) called lipopolysaccharide or
LPS is a potent stimulator of immune cells. Immune cells respond to LPS in an
effort to eliminate the bacteria producing it. Because bacteria and tumor cells are
rapidly killed by macrophages and the resistance of bacterial and tumor cells to
phagocytosis is an important factor in how successful they are. Both cell types
succeed by multiplying rapidly and overwhelming the immune system. For
bacteria, toxins such as LPS are released as old bacteria die, and these
stimulate the production of chemicals by macrophages that end up destroying the
bacteria that released the toxin.
Both nutrient and non-nutrient compounds have been shown to affect the
immune system. Beta glucan polysaccharides are capable of stimulating
macrophages (and other immune cells) and are capable of acting as dietary
immunological response modifiers. Beta glucan carries a rating from the FDA,
Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), which means that there is no known
toxicity for an oral dose of the purified form. There is much evidence in scientific
literature over the past 70 years indicating that beta glucan stimulates the
macrophage to engulf foreign particles more efficiently, fight the growth and
spread of tumors and is effective as a preventive treatment in promoting health.
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The primary lymph organs
1. Thymus
Thymus is a bilobed organ in the root of the neck, above and in frond of the
heart. The thymus is enclosed in a capsule and directed internally by cross walls
into many lobules, each full of T-lymphocytes (are white blood cells associated
with antibody production). In relation to body size the thymus is larger at birth. It
doubles in size by puberty, after which it gradually shrinks, its functional tissue
being replaced by fatty tissue. In infancy the thymus controls the development of
lymphoid tissue and the immune response to microbes and foreign proteins
(accounting for allergic response, autoimmunity and the rejection of organ
transplant). T-lymphocytes migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus, where
they mature and differentiate until activated by antigen.
2. Bone marrow
The bone marrow is the tissue contained within the internal cavities of the bone.
At birth, these cavities are filled entirely with blood-forming myeloid tissue (red
marrow) but in later life the marrow in the limp bones is replaced by fat (yellow
marrow).
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The secondary lymph organs
1. The lymph node
The lymph node is one of a number of small swellings found at intervals along
the lymphatic system. Group of nodes are found in many parts of the body; for
example, in the groin and armpit and behind the ear. They are composed of
lymphoid tissue and act as filters for the lymph, preventing foreign particles from
entering the bloodstream; they also produce lymphocytes.
2. Lymphoid aggregates
i.
The spleen
The spleen constitutes the largest concentration of lymphoid tissue in the
body. Because of the large amount of phagocytes and the close relation to
the circulatory system the spleen becomes a major defense against
invading microorganisms. It is the decomposing station of aging
erythrocyte. White cells are also produced in the spleen and then enter the
bloodstream. The spleen reacts against antigens carried in the
bloodstream, consisting a major immunological filter of the blood which
produces antibodies.
ii.
Tonsils
Tonsil is a mass of lymphoid tissue on either side of the bect of the mouth.
It is concerned with protection against infection. The term usually refers to
either of the palatine tonsils, but below the tongue is another pair, the
lingual tonsils.
iii.
Gastrointestinal lymph tissue
The gastrointestinal lymph tissue contains large numbers of lymph nodes
spread over the gastrointestinal tube. Their purpose is to prevent foreign
particles from entering the bloodstream and producing lymphocytes.
iv.
Payer’s patches
Payer’s patches are composed by large concentrations of lymph follicles.
Their number and growth depends by age. They consists a defensive wall
against any disease causing factors entering from the large intestine.
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The Immune System: Diseases, disorders or problems
that may occur
1. AIDS
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a condition caused by a virus
called HIV. This virus attacks the immune system, the body's "security force" that
fights off infections. When the immune system breaks down, you lose this
protection and can develop many serious, often deadly infections and cancers.
These are called opportunistic infections, because they take advantage of the
body's weakened defenses. You have heard it said that someone "died of AIDS."
This is not entirely accurate, since it is the opportunistic infections that cause
death. AIDS is the condition that lets them take hold. The most common
opportunistic infections are the following:
1.PCP (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) a lung infection
2.KS (Kaposi’s sarcoma) a skin cancer
3.CMV (Cytomegalovirus) an eye infection
4.Candida a fungal infection
HIV is a virus, like the flu or cold. A virus is really nothing but a set of instructions
for making new viruses, wrapped up in some fat, protein and sugar. Without
living cells, a virus can't do anything – it's like a brain with no body. In order to
make more viruses (and to do all of the other nasty things that viruses do), a
virus has to infect a cell. HIV mostly infects T-cells, also known as CD4+ cells, or
T-helper cells. These cells are white blood cells that turn the immune system on
to fight disease. Once inside the cell, HIV starts producing millions of little
viruses, which eventually kill the cell and then go out to infect other cells.
The virus may be passed from one person to another when infected blood,
cemen or vaginal secretions come in contact with an uninfected person’s broken
skin or mucus membranes. Pregnant women can also infect their children
through pregnancy, delivery or even breast-feeding.
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2. LEUKEMIA
Leukemia is a cancer of the early blood-forming cells. Usually, the leukemia is a
cancer of the white blood cells, but leukemia can involve other blood cell types as
well.
In most cases, the marrow produces too many immature white blood cells called
blasts that are abnormally shaped and cannot carry out their usual duties. This
explains why the disease is called "leukemia," which literally means "white
blood". An accumulation of immature cells in the bone marrow and blood occurs.
Anemia normally develops in all leukemia patients while the lack of mature white
blood cells leaves the individual unable to fight infections. When there is a
decreased number of platelets, there will be bruising and easy bleeding.
Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and then spreads to the blood. From there it
can go to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system (the brain and
spinal cord), testes (testicles) or other organs.
3. ALLERGIES
Allergies are an immune system reaction to a typically harmless substance. The
immune system is always fighting off parasites, fungi, viruses and bacteria.
Sometimes your immune system, on the other hand, will treat a harmless
substance (called an allergen) as an unwanted invader and try to fight it. This
overreaction of the body's immune system to a typically harmless substance is
called an allergic reaction. When you inhale, allergens enter your body through
your nose, mouth and lungs and can trigger an allergic reaction. Certain
substances, or allergens, that surround you everyday can trigger annoying
symptoms (sneezing, coughing, itchy nose-throat, red-itchy eyes). When your
body comes in contact with allergens, your immune system overreacts and
causes you to have these symptoms.
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The Immune System: How to maintain a healthy system
A. Keep the body Alkaline
1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Generally
speaking - fresh fruits and vegetables are alkaline forming, while starches
and proteins are acid forming. The good news is that the more physically
active you are the more acid-forming foods your body can handle.
2. Eat whole, natural foods. As much as possible eat fresh, in season,
organically grown. Eat most food raw or slightly steamed with an emphasis
on green leafy vegetables.
3. Chew food well - saliva alkalinizes food.
4. Eat whole grains that have been germinated. Germination makes them more
alkaline, easier to digest, and increases protein and enzyme content.
5. Get adequate rest.
6. Exercise.
7. Drink pure water.
8. Get fresh air.
Things to avoid
1. Refined sugar.
2. Refined, chemicalized, stale, and overcooked foods.
3. Poisons such as drugs, vaccines, insecticides.
4. Coffee, tobacco, alcohol.
B. Supplements
All of necessary vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy life are
available through good nutrition.
1. Vitamins C, A, E, B complex.
2. Minerals zinc, calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron, and selenium.
3. Herbs such as garlic, alfalfa, echinacea, yarrow, gingerroot, cayenne,
and taheeboo.
4. Lemons.
A special mention for Dairy Products
The elimination of dairy products for the elimination of childhood diseases
is mentioned by many writers and teachers such as macrobiotic and Natural
Hygiene schools of thought. It’s not so much the total
elimination of dairy that will promote a healthy lifestyle but the
elimination of adulterated dairy products - pasteurized, homogenized and
chemicalized.
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List of Medical Words
A/A TERM
Example in
Context
information Definition
When you inhale,
Noun
An antigenic substance capable of
allergens enter
producing immediate type
your body…
hypersensitivity reaction (allergy).
…associated with
Noun
Substance formed in the blood in
antibody
response to harmful bacteria
production…
… until activated
Noun
Substance which, when is put into the
by antigen.
body causes it to produce antibodies
1.
Allergen
2.
Antibody
3.
Antigen
4.
Autoimmunity …autoimmunity
and the rejection
of organ
transplant…
Bacteria
Bacteria are
capable of
growing outside of
cells…
Blood
… immunological
filter of the
blood...
5.
6.
Word class Dictionary
Noun
Noun
Noun
Greek
Translation
Αλεργιογόνο
Αντίσωμα
Αντιγόνο
A condition in which an individual's
Αυτοανοσία
immune system starts reacting against
his or her own tissues, causing
diseases such as lupus
Bacteria are small (linear dimensions Βακτήρια
of around 1 m), no
compartmentalised, with circular DNA
and ribosomes of 70S.
Considered a circulating tissue
Αίμα
composed of a fluid portion (plasma)
with suspended formed elements (red
blood cells, white blood cells,
platelets).
An alteration in the state of the body Ασθένεια
or of some of its organs, interrupting
or disturbing the performance of the
vital functions, and causing or
threatening pain and weakness
A triglyceride (lipid) that is usually
Λίπος
solid at room temperature
7.
Disease
… can cause
disease in two
basic ways…
Noun
8.
Fat
Noun
9.
Heart
… the marrow in
the limp bones is
replaced by fat…
… in frond of the
heart.
Noun
A hollow, muscular organ, which, by Καρδία
contracting rhythmically, keeps up the
circulation of the blood. "Why does my
blood thus muster to my heart!"
Immune system
are called the
organs…
Noun
The body system, made up of many
organs and cells, that defends the
body against infection, disease and
foreign substances. It is often
stimulated in specific ways to fight
cancer cells.
10. Immune
System
Ανοσοποιητικό
Σύστημα
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11. Infection
… control the
spread of
infection
Noun
12. Lymph
… act as filters
for the lymph...
Noun
…swellings found
at intervals along
the lymphatic
System
system…
14. Microorganism These
microorganisms
can cause…
Noun
15. Organ
These organs
are divided…
Noun
16. Phagocyte
The Phagocytes
make up…
…acquired
immune
deficiency
syndrome…
…in connective
tissue...
…is a condition
caused by a
virus...
Noun
Vitamins and
minerals are
important
components…
Noun
13. Lymphatic
17. Syndrome
18. Tissue
19. Virus
20. Vitamin
Noun
Noun
Noun
Noun
Invasion and multiplication of
Μόλυνση
microorganisms in body tissues, which
may be clinically unapparent or result
in local cellular injury due to
competitive metabolism, toxins,
intracellular replication or antigen
antibody response.
The almost colourless fluid that bathes Λέμφος
body tissues and is found in the
lymphatic vessels that drain the
tissues of the fluid that filters across
the blood vessel walls from blood.
Lymph carries lymphocytes that have
entered the lymph nodes from the
blood.
The tissues and organs that produce Λεμφικό
and store cells that fight infection and
the network of vessels that carry
Σύστημα
lymph.
A microscopic organism, those of
Μικροοργανιmedical interest include bacteria,
σμός
viruses, algae, fungi and protozoa
A natural part or structure in an animal Όργανο
or a plant, capable of performing some
special action (termed its function),
which is essential to the life or wellbeing of the whole.
A cell that is capable of phagocytosis Φαγοκύτταρο
A set of signs or a series of events
occurring together that often point to a
single disease or condition as the
cause.
A group of similar cells united to
perform a specific function.
Viruses are obligate intracellular
parasites of living but noncellular
nature, consisting of DNA or RNA and
a protein coat.
An essential low molecular weight
organic compound required in trace
amounts for normal growth and
metabolic processes. They usually
serve as components of coenzyme
systems.
Σύνδρομο
Ιστός
Ιός
Βιταμίνη
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List of Academic Words
A/A TERM
Example in
Word class Dictionary
Greek
1.
Accurate
Context
information Definition
This is not entirely Adjective Free from error
accurate…
Translation
Ορθός
2.
Chemical
3.
Complex
4.
Component
…many of the
chemical
messengers
produced by
immune cells…
The immune
system is very
complex.
… minerals are
important
components…
5.
Compound
Both nutrient and
non-nutrient
compounds…
Noun
6.
Differentiate
…they mature
and differentiate
until activated…
Verb
7.
Factor
Macrophages
also produce
growth factors for
cells…
Noun
8.
Mature
Verb
Of or pertaining to a condition of full
development.
9.
React
… they mature
and differentiate
until activated…
The spleen
reacts against
antigens…
Verb
To return an impulse or impression; to Αντιδρώ
resist the action of another body by an
opposite force; as, every body reacts
on the body that impels it from its
natural state.
Adjective
A substance composed of chemical
elements or obtained by chemical
processes.
Χημικός
Adjective
Complicated, not simple.
Περίπλοκος
A constituent element or part,
specifically in neurology, a series of
neurons forming a functional system
for conducting the afferent and
efferent impulses in the somatic and
splanchnic mechanisms of the body.
A material made up of two or more
elements.
Συστατικά
Noun
Σύνθετος
The process cells undergo as they
Διαφοροποιούmature into normal cells. Differentiated μαι
cells have distinctive characteristics,
perform specific functions and are less
likely to divide.
Any of several substances or activities Παράγοντας
that are necessary to produce a result,
for example a coagulation factor.
Ωριμάζω
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Bibliography and Resources
 http://www.allergyactionplan.com/allergy101.html
 http://www.ivillagehealth.com/conditions/autoimmune/articles/0,,165874_1265
36,00.html
 http://www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,2939,3172_10175_273209_lang
Id-en,00.html
 http://www.stopgettingsick.com/Conditions/condition_template.cfm/2201/75/1
#1
 http://seattlecca.org/patientsandfamilies/adultCare/clinicalProgs/leukemia/pati
entEdu/WhatisLeukemia.htm
 http://www.online-medical.dictionary.org
 http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/
 http://www-micro.msb.le.ac.uk/224/Bradley/Bradley.html
 http://www.bl.uk
 Αρχές Βιοχημείας ΙΙΙ, Geoffrey L. Zubay – William W. Parson – E. Vance
 Βασική Ιστολογία Ι, Luiz Carlos Junqueira, Josi Carneiro
 Ιστολογία – Εμβρυολογία του Ανθρώπου, Χρύση Κεραμέως – Φόρογλου
 Dorland’s Medical Dictionary
 Oxford Medical Dictionary
 Oxford English-Greek Learner’s Dictionary