The anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) tests are used to help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells and tissues.

Your doctor may order an anti-dsDNA if you have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and symptoms associated with lupus, such as persistent fatigue, pain in your joints, and a red rash resembling a butterfly across the nose and cheeks. Anti-dsDNA tests are also periodically used to assess disease activity in people who have already been diagnosed with lupus.

The Anti-dsDNA antibody test, particularly the Farr assay, is a highly specific diagnostic tool pivotal in the evaluation and management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disorder. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies are a type of antinuclear antibody (ANA) that specifically target the DNA within the cell nucleus. These antibodies are considered one of the hallmark indicators of SLE, with their presence being a key criterion in the diagnosis of the disease.

The Farr assay, a radioimmunoassay, is renowned for its high specificity in detecting anti-dsDNA antibodies. This assay utilizes radiolabeled DNA to capture antibodies from a patient's serum. The bound antibodies are then measured, providing a quantitative assessment of the anti-dsDNA antibodies present. A positive Farr assay is strongly indicative of SLE, as these antibodies are rarely found in healthy individuals or those with other autoimmune disorders.

The anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) tests are used to help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells and tissues.

Your doctor may order an anti-dsDNA if you have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and symptoms associated with lupus, such as persistent fatigue, pain in your joints, and a red rash resembling a butterfly across the nose and cheeks. Anti-dsDNA tests are also periodically used to assess disease activity in people who have already been diagnosed with lupus.

The "Anti-Endothelin A Receptor" marker plays a critical role in the NeuralZoomer panel. Endothelin A receptor is a protein found on the surface of certain cells within the body and is involved in regulating various functions, including blood pressure and inflammation. When the immune system mistakenly targets and produces antibodies against the endothelin A receptor, it can lead to vascular issues and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Endothelin peptides modulate the development of distinct neural cell types, including Schwann cells, astrocytes, and neural crest cells, as well as physiologic growth and development. The endothelin A receptor has a greater affinity for ET-1, one of the peptides of endothelin.

The endothelin A receptor auto-antibodies are found in vascular dementia.

Anti-gliadin IgA is an important antibody in the context of diagnosing celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—their immune system mistakenly targets and damages the lining of the small intestine. Anti-gliadin IgA is one of the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the presence of gliadin, a component of gluten. This antibody is specifically of the IgA type, which is the main type of antibody found in mucous membranes, including the gut. The presence of anti-gliadin IgA in the blood is a sign that the immune system is reacting to gluten.

What does an equivocal result indicate?

An equivocal result indicates uncertainty as it falls within a borderline range that cannot be clearly classified as positive or negative. This means the levels of the antibody are not high enough to confirm the presence of a condition like celiac disease, nor low enough to rule it out. Consequently, healthcare providers may recommend retesting after some time to see if the levels change, order additional tests for more antibodies to gather more definitive information. The interpretation of an equivocal result heavily relies on the clinical context, including the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other test results. It often leads to closer monitoring of the patient's condition over time to observe any development or changes in symptoms. Essentially, an equivocal result prompts further investigation rather than providing a conclusive diagnosis, ensuring that patients receive accurate and appropriate care based on a comprehensive evaluation.

Antigliadin antibodies (AGAs) are antibodies of the IgA and IgG classes found in the serum of celiac disease patients. These antibodies mainly target gliadin-derived peptides, which are the main proteins of gluten. AGAs are not specific for celiac disease as they are also found in patients with other gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, gastroenteritis, and IBD.

Anti-gliadin IgG is an antibody that the immune system produces in response to gliadin, a component of gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with a sensitivity to gluten consumes these grains, their immune system may mistakenly identify gliadin as a harmful substance and produce Anti-gliadin IgG to attack it. This reaction is often seen in individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. However, Anti-gliadin IgG can also be present in non-celiac gluten sensitivity, where people experience symptoms similar to celiac disease but without the associated intestinal damage.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the major structural protein of the glial intermediate filament of astrocytes that forms part of the cytoskeleton of mature astrocytes and other glial cells, but is not found outside the CNS. Anti-GFAP is produced when the protein enters the bloodstream after a rupture of the blood brain barrier, thus serves as a blood based diagnostic marker of brain injury.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the major structural protein of the glial intermediate filament of astrocytes that forms part of the cytoskeleton of mature astrocytes and other glial cells, but is not found outside the CNS. Anti-GFAP is produced when the protein enters the bloodstream after a rupture of the blood brain barrier, thus serves as a blood based diagnostic marker of brain injury.

Glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78) is a molecular chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that promotes folding and assembly of proteins, controls the quality of proteins, and regulates ER stress signaling through Ca2+ binding to the ER. In tumors, GRP78 is often upregulated, acting as a central stress sensor that senses and adapts to changes in the tumor microenvironment, mediating ER stress of cancer cells under various stimulations of the microenvironment to trigger the folding protein response. 

Increasing evidence has shown that GRP78 is closely associated with the progression and poor prognosis of lung cancer, and plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer.

Glucose-regulating protein 78 (GRP78) is a molecular chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that promotes folding and assembly of proteins, controls the quality of proteins, and regulates ER stress signaling through Ca2+ binding to the ER. In tumors, GRP78 is often upregulated, acting as a central stress sensor that senses and adapts to changes in the tumor microenvironment, mediating ER stress of cancer cells under various stimulations of the microenvironment to trigger the folding protein response. 

Increasing evidence has shown that GRP78 is closely associated with the progression and poor prognosis of lung cancer, and plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer.

Anti-glycine receptor (GlyR) antibodies, including IgG and IgA classes, are autoantibodies directed against the glycine receptor, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the central nervous system. The presence of these antibodies is most commonly associated with autoimmune disorders such as stiff-person syndrome (SPS) and its variants, including progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM). These conditions are characterized by severe muscle stiffness, spasms, and functional impairment due to disrupted inhibitory signaling in the spinal cord and brainstem. The detection of anti-GlyR antibodies, especially of the IgG type, supports the diagnosis of these neurological disorders and can guide immunotherapy treatments. The IgA class of anti-GlyR antibodies may also have clinical relevance, although less is known about their exact role compared to IgG. The measurement of these antibodies is done through specialized laboratory tests, which can be critical for both diagnosis and management of affected individuals.