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Autoantibodies in patients with silicone implants
A J Bridges1, J D Anderson, D E Burns
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison 53705, USA.
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Women with silicone implants show higher rates of autoantibodies compared to controls, indicating potential immune system activation. This study assessed autoantibody prevalence in various groups, including those with and without implants and rheumatic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Silicone implants are widely used in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
- Concerns exist regarding potential autoimmune responses associated with silicone implants.
- Autoantibodies play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of autoantibodies in women with silicone implants.
- To compare autoantibody levels between women with silicone implants and control groups.
- To investigate potential immune activation in women with silicone implants.
Main Methods:
- Assessed autoantibody prevalence using immunofluorescence antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests on HEp-2 cells.
- Conducted subtype autoantibody testing via enzyme-linked immunoassay and Western blot.
- Included diverse participant groups: patients with implants and symptoms, asymptomatic women with implants, age-matched controls, and women with fibromyalgia.
Main Results:
- ANA tests were positive in 30% of patients with implants and rheumatic symptoms, 28% of asymptomatic women with implants, 25% of women with fibromyalgia, and 8% of controls.
- The speckled pattern was the predominant ANA finding (55%).
- ANA subtype autoantibodies were detected in 4.8% of patients with implants, but none of the controls.
Conclusions:
- Women with silicone implants exhibit a higher prevalence of autoantibodies than age-matched asymptomatic women.
- Findings suggest a potential immune activation in women with silicone implants.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of these autoantibodies.