Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide
Description
< 20 EU/mL
Clinical significance
- Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies are auto antibodies produced by the immune system directed against cyclic citrullinated peptides. Citrulline is naturally produced in the body as a part of amino acid and arginine metabolism. However in Joints with RA, this conversion occurs at a higher rate .Citrulline changes the protein structure and can trigger an immune response, producing antibodies against joint proteins.
- Citrulline modified proteins are seen in the keratin layer of the epidermis and the brain. Induction of the expression of citrullinated proteins is seen in various inflammatory states and during apoptosis. Joints under normal states do not contain citrullinated proteins, whereas an array of different citrullinated proteins are present during various types of inflammation. ACPA has been identified in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody levels are characteristically elevated in rhematoid arthritis, although they can be elevated in other rheumatologic conditions associated with inflammatory arthritis, such as SLE. It is a confirmatory diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anti CCP antibody can be present in the early presentation of rheumatoid arthritis while the rheumatoid factor (RF) is negative. Therefore, if ACPA is identified, the patient likely has rheumatoid arthritis.
When to get tested
Elevated level
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- SLE
- Graves disease
- Sjogrens syndrome
Decreased level
Profile
ALL TEST
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