Autoimmunity

What is autoimmunity? 

Autoimmunity is defined as an innate (non-specific) or adaptive (specific) immune response directed against a self-antigen.  An autoimmunity that results in tissue and organ damage leading to a certain pathologic condition is referred to as an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune reactions are not limited to one area of the body, but can occur at various sites in the body simultaneously. One way to gauge the progress of autoimmune disease is measuring the level of autoantibodies. Autoantibodies are present when the human body reacts against its own tissue antigen. The Array 5 tests these levels of autoantibodies to see where the body attacks itself when an immune reaction occurs.

Why is the Array 5 panel important? An estimated 1 in 4 Americans have some type of immune system dysfunction. A set of factors and stressors, unique to each individual, are what cause autoimmune disease.

What are predisposing factors for developing Autoimmunity?

• Gender – Women are more susceptible to developing autoimmunity than men.
• Genetics – SNPs, or single nucleotide polymorphisms, and family history
• Environmental – Toxic chemicals, heavy metals, solvents, infections, antigenic food etc.
• Intestinal Dysbiosis –Intestinal permeability and inflammation increase chances of developing autoimmunity. The gut and immune system maintain oral tolerance.
• Compromised Oral Tolerance – Oral tolerance helps the body identify friend from foe.
• Dietary – Proteins and peptides from wheat and dairy, such as gluten, gliadin, and casein, can initiate autoimmunity in the gut for some.

Why is the Cyrex Array 5 blood test run?

• The Array 5 if run for early detection, identifying the initial stages of development in autoimmune conditions before extensive tissue damage. This allows the patient and practitioner a “window of opportunity” to address, arrest, and even in some cases reverse the autoimmune condition.
• The Array 5 is run for those who have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, as they can develop additional autoimmune conditions.

What is the Array 5 looking for?

• It detects and measures predictive antibodies, some of which can appear up to ten years before the clinical onset of disease.

What Antigens are tested?

• Parietal Cell + ATPase IgG + IgA Combined
• Intrinsic Factor IgG + IgA Combined
• ASCA + ANCA IgG + IgA Combined
• Tropomyosin IgG + IgA Combined
• Thyroglobulin IgG + IgA Combined
• Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) IgG + IgA Combined
• 21 Hydroxylase (Adrenal Cortex) IgG + IgA Combined
• Myocardial Peptide IgG + IgA Combined
• Alpha-Myosin IgG + IgA Combined
• Phospholipid IgG + IgA Combined
• Platelet Glycoprotein IgG + IgA Combined
• Ovary/Testis* IgG + IgA Combined
• Fibulin IgG + IgA Combined
• Collagen Complex IgG + IgA Combined
• Arthritic Peptide IgG + IgA Combined
• Osteocyte IgG + IgA Combined
• Cytochrome P450 (Hepatocyte) IgG + IgA Combined
• Insulin + Islet Cell Antigen IgG + IgA Combined
• Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 65 (GAD 65) IgG + IgA Combined
• Myelin Basic Protein IgG + IgA Combined
• Asialoganglioside IgG + IgA Combined
• Alpha + Beta Tubulin IgG + IgA Combined
• Cerebellar IgG + IgA Combined
• Synapsin IgG + IgA Combined