Low avidity antibodies to double stranded DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus: a longtitudinal study of their clinical significance

Article Abstract:

The body's natural defense system, the immune system, consists of cells and factors that inactivate invading foreign particles called antigens. In the presence of an antigen, the immune B cell produces specialized proteins called antibodies that bind to and inactivate the specific antigen. Under abnormal conditions, immune cells and factors attack body tissues and natural substances; this is called an autoimmune reaction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic inflammatory disease of the connective tissues, is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which immune complexes of antibody bound to antigen activate inflammatory processes. In SLE, antibodies are produced against double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA), the genetic material of the cell, and these antibodies serve as a marker for the disease. Different properties of these antibodies have been related to various symptoms of SLE. The avidity, or ability, of antibody to bind to antigen can be measured by two different methods: the Farr assay, which detects high avidity antibodies, and the polyethylene glycol (PEG) assay, which detects low avidity antibodies. The relation between avidity of antibodies to dsDNA and symptoms of SLE was assessed in 49 SLE patients. Thirty-five patients with only low avidity anti-dsDNA, measured by the PEG assay, had mild SLE with no adverse effects on the kidney. The 14 patients with high avidity anti-dsDNA tended to have more severe complications of SLE, particularly conditions affecting the brain and kidney. A large increase in the ratio of the Farr to the PEG assay predicted major exacerbations of the disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Antigen-antibody reactions

---

Immunoblotting profiles in 55 systemic lupus erythematosus sera lacking precipitating antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens

Article Abstract:

The body's natural defense system, the immune system, consists of cells and factors that inactivate foreign substances called antigens. In the presence of an antigen, certain types of immune cells produce specialized proteins called antibodies that specifically bind with and inactivate the antigen. Under abnormal conditions, cells and factors of the immune system attack body tissues and natural substances in what is called the autoimmune response. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic inflammatory disease of connective tissue, is thought to be an autoimmune disease. SLE patients produce antibodies against factors contained within the cell nucleus, such as nuclear antigens Sm and U1RNP, which are complexes of protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Among 55 patients with SLE, 10 had no nuclear antigen antibodies, 10 had anti-Sm, 3 had anti-RMP, and 32 had antibodies for both Sm and RNP. Specific classes of immunoglobulins (Ig), proteins that can act as antibodies, are produced in reaction to proteins of the antigen complexes. SLE patients with anti-Sm and anti-RNP antibodies also had antibodies or genetic elements in the cell, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Hemolytic anemia, a decrease in red blood cells due to cell rupture, was more prevalent in SLE patients with anti-Sm antibodies, and skin disorders were more common in patients with anti-RNP antibodies. Thus, the measurement of anti-Sm and anti-RNP antibodies by immunological methods may be used in the diagnosis of patients with SLE. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Immunoglobulins, Antigens

---

Anti-heat shock protein 70kDa and 90 kDa antibodies in serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

The immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations which develop in response to the presence of a particular heat shock protein (HSP 90 kDa) are the ones most commonly found in long-term rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have articular erosion. This implies that their presence may be related to the articular prognosis. Also present in long term RA patients are immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations to both HSP 90 kDa and HSC 70 kDa, as well as IgGs to both. Study to determine which substance connects to which prognosis should be done.

Rheumatoid arthritis, Heat shock proteins, Immunoglobulin G, Immunoglobulin M

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A subset of lupus anti-DNA antibodies cross-reacts with the NR2 glutamate receptor in systemic lupus erythematosus
• Abstracts: Listeriosis. Role of foods in sporadic listeriosis: I. case-control study of dietary risk factors. Role of foods in sporadic listeriosis: II. microbiologic and epidemiologic investigation
• Abstracts: Plasmodium falciparum malaria and perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in Kinshasa, Zaire: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 587 children
• Abstracts: Mammographic changes associated with postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy: a longitudinal study. Clinically occult ductal carcinoma in situ detected with mammography: analysis of 100 cases with radiologic-pathologic correlation
• Abstracts: The relationship between autoantibodies and intrauterine growth retardation in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.