General mechanism of chronic diseases.
In a human, the cells function adequately to the needs of the organism, and to their own needs. Consequently, adequate cell function is comprised of the organism-oriented, and cell-oriented functions. It is suggested that an independent stage in the pathogenesis of a chronic disease exists which so far has not been considered. This is the disturbance of the cell-oriented function of the cells involved. This initial stage may last for years and decades, whereas function of the organ remains preserved. Organism-oriented cellular function appears to become involved in the pathologic process long after the disease has actually started. At this time the cells themselves are severely impaired, and as a result a disease acquires its progressive, irreversible course. Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is considered as an example of the above-mentioned developments.
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications