What are the causes of narcolepsy?
narcolepsy is an unusual condition in which the brain is poorly regulated by biological patterns of sleep and alertness. Suffering is susceptible to excessive daily drowsiness and quickly fall into deep columns, where their muscles can temporarily paralyze. For many years of modern research, the exact causes of narcolepsy remain unclear. The disorder is almost certainly the result of specific genetic mutations and recent studies have come close to determining the gene involved and explanation of how they cause symptoms. In addition, several different environmental factors may increase the likelihood of sleep disorder development if the initial genetic causes of narcolepsy are present.
Most sleep experts believe that the primary causes of narcolepsy are related to genetic mutations on chromosome six. A group of genes on a chromosome called a complex of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) was studied in depth. The HLA complex is primarily involved in the maintenance of the immune system in humans. In many people with narcolepsy, it seems that mutation on gEnech HLA provokes autoimmune reactions that attack neurons that carry hybyctrines, which is an important chemical that promotes vigilance. Without sufficient coverage, the brain is unable to maintain normal sleep and awakening patterns.
also identified other genetic causes of narcolepsy. In studies on dogs, scientists have found that chromosome 12 mutations can disrupt the nervous receptor sites for hypocretin. Instead of the death of nerve cells, the lack of hypocretin is caused by the inability of neurons to absorb. The ongoing research hopes that it will be better to clarify the links between hypocretlet, narcolepsy and nervous activity.
genetics itself is usually not enough to induce narcolepsy. Other factors, such as traumatic brain injuries and tumors, may disrupt parts of the brain that regulate sleep cycles, conscripousness and also muscle control. In particular damage to the hypothalamus and ponos in the brain stem is closely SPOjeno with expression of narcolepsic symptoms in some patients. Biological factors related to hormonal imbalance and prolonged stress periods may also contribute to the failure.
Environmental factors are also potential triggers or causes of narcolepsy in patients who are genetically predisposed to the lack of hypocretin. Severe viral infections, smoking, exposure to pollutants and poor dietary choices leading to obesity were correlated with symptoms of narcolepsy. It is likely that future genetic research and clinical studies will reveal more information about roles that mutations and environmental factors play in the change of cerebral chemicals and lead to expression of disorder.