Unhealthy cells exhibit various signs, depending on the specific issue. These signs can be observed at the microscopic level or manifest as symptoms in the body.
Microscopic Signs of Unhealthy Cells
At a cellular level, unhealthy cells often show specific morphological changes. These include:
- Granularity around the nucleus: This indicates cellular stress and potential damage.
- Cytoplasmic vacuolation: This refers to the formation of vacuoles (fluid-filled sacs) within the cytoplasm, suggesting cellular dysfunction.
These changes are often observed in cell cultures and can help determine cell viability.
Macroscopic Signs of Unhealthy Cells (Symptoms)
The consequences of unhealthy cells can manifest as various symptoms, depending on the type and extent of cellular damage:
- Anemia: This occurs when there is a deficiency of red blood cells, often due to their premature destruction (as in sickle cell anemia) or insufficient production (as in aplastic anemia). Symptoms include paleness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. [Source: Mayo Clinic, Healthline]
- Swelling: Swelling in the hands and feet can be a sign of impaired blood circulation caused by abnormally shaped blood cells. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
- Pain: Pain episodes, often in the extremities or abdomen, are common in conditions like sickle cell disease, where abnormal cells block blood flow. [Source: Mayo Clinic, Hematology.org]
- Immune Dysfunction: Damaged or unhealthy cells can affect the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections or autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks healthy cells. [Source: Medical News Today, CDC]
- Abnormal Blood Cell Counts: Changes in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets (essential for blood clotting) can indicate underlying problems with cell production or function. [Source: Cleveland Clinic, NHS]
- Lesions: In some conditions like multiple sclerosis, damage to cells can result in lesions visible on brain scans (like MRI). [Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine, NIH]
Examples of Diseases Related to Unhealthy Cells
Multiple diseases stem from issues with cell health:
- Sickle Cell Anemia: Abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells causes them to become sickle-shaped, leading to various complications.
- Aplastic Anemia: The bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells.
- Multiple Myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerves.
