ΔDiagnostiki Athinon offers a comprehensive diagnostic profile that includes a test for 25 specific autoantibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens using the Immunodot technique. This test is crucial for the diagnosis and management of various autoimmune disorders. Each antigen these autoantibodies target can be linked to specific diseases, providing essential insights into a patient's health status. This test can assist clinicians in making accurate diagnoses and choosing the appropriate treatment strategies. This test is recommended for screening patients with a positive antinuclear antibody titer.
- Antigen PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen): Positive PCNA antibodies are often associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PCNA is involved in DNA replication and repair, and its autoantibodies can indicate active disease phases, particularly in patients with lupus.
- Antigen Sm: The presence of anti-Sm antibodies is highly specific to SLE and does not typically occur in other conditions. These antibodies target proteins involved in RNA processing and are considered diagnostic markers for SLE.
- Antigen Sm/RNP: Antibodies against Sm/RNP are also linked to SLE but can be seen in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), which is characterized by features of SLE, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
- Antigen Ribosomal P protein: These antibodies are particularly associated with lupus and are often found in patients with active neuropsychiatric SLE, indicating a possible central nervous system involvement.
- Antigen PM-Scl 100: Anti-PM-Scl antibodies indicate polymyositis-scleroderma overlap syndrome, which features symptoms of both polymyositis and scleroderma.
- Antigen RNP: Anti-RNP antibodies are commonly associated with MCTD. Patients with these antibodies may have symptoms that overlap with several connective tissue diseases.
- Antigens SS-A/Ro 60 and SS-A/Ro 52: These antibodies are frequently detected in Sjögren's syndrome and SLE patients. They are also commonly found in subacute cutaneous lupus and neonatal lupus, affecting pregnant women whose infants may develop congenital heart block.
- Antigen Ku: Anti-Ku antibodies are often associated with polymyositis and scleroderma, particularly in patients with overlap syndromes.
- Antigen SS-B/La: Like SS-A/Ro, anti-SS-B/La antibodies are typical in Sjögren's syndrome and SLE. They are also involved in neonatal lupus cases.
- Antigen Scl-70 (topoisomerase I): The presence of anti-Scl-70 antibodies strongly indicates systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), particularly the diffuse cutaneous form.
- Antigens CENP-A and CENP-B: These antibodies are specific for scleroderma, particularly in the limited cutaneous form. They are often associated with CREST syndrome (CCalccinosis Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia).
- Antigen Jo-1: Anti-Jo-1 antibodies are a hallmark of polymyositis and dermatomyositis, often linked with interstitial lung disease.
- Antigen dsDNA: Antibodies against double-stranded DNA are specific for SLE and marker disease activity, particularly in renal involvement (lupus nephritis).
- Antigen Histones: Anti-histone antibodies are associated with drug-induced lupus and are also seen in idiopathic SLE.
- Antigen Mi-2: Anti-Mi-2 antibodies found in patients with dermatomyositis are associated with a better prognosis and respond well to steroid treatment.
- Antigens PL-7 and PL-12: These antibodies are linked to antisynthetase syndrome, featuring interstitial lung disease, myositis, and arthritis.
- Antigen SRP (Signal Recognition Particle): Anti-SRP antibodies are associated with severe polymyositis and are often resistant to standard immunosuppressive therapy.
- Antigen sp100: These are seen in primary biliary cirrhosis, often accompanying other liver-specific autoantibodies.
- Antigens M2 recombinant and M2/nPDC: These antibodies indicate primary biliary cirrhosis, particularly when combined with clinical features of the disease.
- Antigen F-actin: Anti-actin antibodies are associated with autoimmune hepatitis and can be seen in other autoimmune liver diseases.
Diagnostiki Athinon’s 25 antigen profile can significantly aid in the diagnostic process, helping clinicians identify specific autoimmune conditions based on the presence of these autoantibodies.
The test for 25 specific autoantibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens is primarily indicated for evaluating and diagnosing various autoimmune diseases. The presence of these autoantibodies can provide critical insights into underlying immune system dysfunctions.
The main indications for conducting this test are:
- Suspected Autoimmune Disorders: When a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of autoimmune conditions such as joint pain, muscle weakness, skin rashes, persistent fatigue, or unexplained fever, this test can help in the differential diagnosis.
- Diagnosis of Specific Autoimmune Diseases: This test is instrumental in diagnosing diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Each antibody pattern correlates with specific diseases, providing clues for accurate diagnosis.
- Monitoring Disease Progression: In patients already diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, periodic testing for these autoantibodies can help monitor the disease progression and flare-ups, especially in diseases like SLE, where autoantibody levels can correlate with disease activity.
- Evaluating Disease Overlap: Autoimmune diseases often overlap in their symptoms and pathological manifestations. This test can identify multiple autoantibodies, helping diagnose overlap syndromes in which patients exhibit features of more than one autoimmune disease.
- Assessment of Treatment Response: In autoimmune conditions, the levels of specific autoantibodies can decrease in response to treatment. Monitoring these levels over time can help assess a treatment's effectiveness and guide therapy adjustments.
- Risk Assessment in Pregnancy: In pregnant women with a history of autoimmune disorders, particularly those with antibodies like SS-A/Ro or SS-B/La, testing can assess the risk of complications such as neonatal lupus and congenital heart block in the fetus.
- Screening in At-Risk Populations: Relatives of patients with autoimmune diseases may also be at increased risk. Screening can help in early detection and management of these conditions in asymptomatic individuals.
This test is a powerful tool in the clinical setting. It enables precise identification and management of autoimmune disorders, facilitating targeted therapeutic strategies and better patient care outcomes
