(ANA) Antinuclear Antibodies
The CARD Clinic also offers autoimmune marker testing with the screening for asbestos related disease. ANA stands for antinuclear antibodies or autoantibodies. These antibodies form in the blood when the body mistakes its own cells and tissues as foreign material and starts fighting against itself. A positive ANA test indicates that these autoantibodies are present, but it does not necessarily mean that an autoimmune disease is present or that therapy is needed. ANAs are typically positive in people with diseases like systemic lupus or scleroderma, and research collaborations with the CARD Clinic have found that positive ANA results are correlated with Libby amphibole asbestos exposure. Research also suggests that positive ANA tests may occur more often in people who have a potentially painful form of the Libby lung disease, called Lamellar Pleural Thickening.
The decision to add ANA testing to CARD’s grant-funded screening program was based on results of research done over the past 15 years on autoimmune diseases and Libby amphibole asbestos exposure. Funding was approved by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
“Adding ANA testing to the screening program has the potential to help many people and it is a direct result of our community’s willingness to participate in research,” said Tracy McNew, Administrative and Research Director at CARD. “The CARD Clinic would like to thank the community for their continued support of and participation in our ongoing research programs. This addition is an example of how research leads to meaningful results.”
When detected early, many treatments are available for autoimmune diseases that can lead to improved quality of life and health outcomes. Furthermore, early detection of these antibodies may lead to improved management of asbestos related diseases as well.
Another marker noted during research to suggest an association with Libby Amphibole asbestos related disease is mesothelial cell antibody (MCAA), along with one of its more specific subtypes, anti-plasminogen (anti-PLG). CARD is currently drawing blood for MCAA and anti-PLG on screeners, in addition to ANA. This is a fairly new test and is only being used for screening as it has not been specifically validated, unlike ANA in some circumstances, to identify a given disease. However, in those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, these markers may be able to help us predict the future course of the disease, as there is some evidence that those with high anti-PLG may have an increased risk of developing a more progressive form of the disease. In those who are not diagnosed, MCAA and anti-PLG are not currently known to indicate any specific disease process, and if positive, should not be a cause for concern.
