Description
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype of human autoimmune diseases characterised by defective immune regulatory T cell functions and B cell hyperactivity, which lead to various autoantibody production. SLE induced renal failure is the most severe manifestation of the disease and is the principal cause of death in affected patients. Anti dsDNA is a hallmark of SLE. Anti dsDNA antibodies participate in the formation of circulating or in situ (in the kidney) immune complexes that give rise to inflammatory lesions characteristic of the disease. Moreover, these autoantibodies may be cross-react with non-glomerular cells in the kidney and penetrate into glomerular cells leading to kidney damage. see ANA, ENA
Indications
High levels or titres of anti dsDNA antibodies are diagnostic of SLE. Along with high circulating immune complex levels, anti dsDNA antibodies are associated with active disease and tissue damage. Low levels of anti dsDNA are found in other rheumatic diseases and drug induced SLE. Anti dsDNA are also found in a proportion of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
1 ml Serum Stability: 14 Days at 2-8 °C
Special Precautions
Normal Range
Negative: < 1/10 Titre
