Cell and Tissue Destruction in Selected Disorders

Abstract Long-lasting chronic disease scenarios are associated with severe cell and tissue damage and numerous functional constraints. These diseases result from an imbalance between tissue-damaging processes and host's protecting systems. Energy and nutrient deficits, ischemia, limitation or exhaustion of host's repair systems, and immunocompromised states contribute to the weakness of defense mechanisms. In general, this mismatch is favored by an improper lifestyle, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and advanced age. In this chapter, the role of destructive processes is analyzed in selected disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, respiratory tract diseases, digestive tract diseases, and cancer. In description of disease pathogenesis and peculiarities, the main focus is directed on the underlying mechanisms of disease progression as well as cell and tissue damage. The role of immune defense is evaluated as well.