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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Anti-Nuclear Antibody Screening Using HEp-2 Cells
Published on: June 23, 2014
Anti-rods and rings autoantibodies can occur in the hepatitis c-naïve population
Introduction:
The anti-Rods and Rings autoantibody recently described in clinical populations is thought to occur in the setting of hepatitis C treatment, specifically in the context of cytidine triphosphate (CTP) and guanosine triphosphate (GTP) synthetic pathway inhibitors, and is important in its potential impact on response to therapy. This study asks the question: what is the epidemiology of anti-RR autoantibody in the general, non-clinical population?
Materials And Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Immunofluorescence assay for anti-Rods and Rings autoantibody were performed by NHANES labs and the results made publically available. Sample weights were used to calculate the prevalence and distribution of the autoantibody across demographics. A medication profile of the autoantibody positive population was also constructed
Results:
The study sample consisted of 4738 persons over the age of 12 years. Anti-Rods and Rings autoantibodies were found in 39 persons representing 1.3 million persons in the United States population. 38 of 39 persons with anti-Rods and Rings autoantibody had no prior history of hepatitis C virus infection. A majority of these persons were found to have poly-pharmacy.
Discussion:
This is the first study to show that anti-RR can occur in the general population without evidence of hepatits C virus infection, and that the majority of persons with anti-RR in the population have no evidence of prior hepatitis C infection. This indicates that there may be another undetermined etiology for anti-rods and rings autoantibodies besides the currently accepted exposure etiology of hepatitis C virus infection and treatment found in clinical studies.
Insights
The anti-Rods and Rings autoantibody, previously linked to hepatitis C treatment, is present in the general population. Most individuals with this autoantibody show no history of hepatitis C infection, suggesting alternative causes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- The anti-Rods and Rings autoantibody is associated with hepatitis C treatment, particularly involving CTP and GTP synthetic pathway inhibitors.
- Its presence may impact therapeutic response, necessitating further investigation into its origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiology of the anti-Rods and Rings autoantibody in the general, non-clinical population.
- To investigate the prevalence and demographic distribution of anti-RR autoantibodies.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
- Immunofluorescence assays were performed by NHANES laboratories.
- Prevalence and distribution were calculated using sample weights, with a medication profile constructed for positive cases.
Main Results:
- The study analyzed 4738 individuals over 12 years old.
- Anti-Rods and Rings autoantibodies were detected in 39 individuals, representing 1.3 million people in the US.
- Of those positive, 38 had no history of hepatitis C virus infection, and most reported polypharmacy.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of anti-Rods and Rings autoantibodies in the general population without hepatitis C virus infection.
- The findings suggest potential alternative etiologies for anti-RR autoantibodies beyond hepatitis C virus infection and its treatment.
- Further research is needed to identify these alternative causes.
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