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Isolation and Identification of Extravascular Immune Cells of the Heart
Published on: August 23, 2018
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Immune System Activation in Rheumatic Heart Disease
Aqsa Anam1, Abdul Wajid Khan Faisal2, Nadeem Afzal1
1Department of Immunology, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore.
Summary
Immune system activation in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is confirmed by autoantibodies. Anti-endocardial antibody (AECA) and anti-cardiolipin (ACL) antibodies were detected, but anti-GBM antibodies were absent in RHD patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an acquired valvular heart disease with potential immune system involvement.
- Autoantibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of RHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immune system activation in RHD patients by assessing specific autoantibodies.
- To determine the prevalence of anti-endocardial antibody (AECA), anti-cardiolipin (ACL), and anti-GBM antibodies in RHD patients.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, observational study was conducted from February 2015 to January 2016.
- Eighty-six RHD patients, confirmed by echocardiography, were included.
- Sera were analyzed for AECA, ACL, and anti-GBM antibodies.
Main Results:
- AECA was detected in 19.8% of patients, and ACL in 2.3%.
- AECA was associated with mixed valvular heart disease, while ACL was found in females with isolated mitral regurgitation.
- Anti-GBM antibodies were not detected in any RHD patients.
Conclusions:
- The immune system is activated in RHD, leading to autoantibody formation.
- The presence and type of autoantibodies correlate with specific valvular lesions in RHD.
- Anti-GBM antibodies are not characteristic of RHD.
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