Autoantibodies Profile 1 Blood Test

LKM antibodies are autoantibodies that target enzymes found in liver and kidney cells. They are associated with autoimmune hepatitis type 2, a condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver, causing inflammation and potentially liver damage. This form of autoimmune hepatitis is less common than type 1 and typically affects children and young adults. Testing for LKM antibodies helps diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and distinguish it from other liver conditions, enabling appropriate treatment to prevent progressive liver damage.

Mitochondrial antibodies, also known as anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), target the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures within cells. These antibodies are highly specific for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune condition that causes progressive damage to the small bile ducts in the liver. The presence of mitochondrial antibodies is found in about 95% of people with PBC and can be detected years before symptoms develop. Testing for these antibodies helps diagnose PBC early, allowing treatment to slow disease progression and prevent complications.

Smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) are autoantibodies that target proteins in smooth muscle cells, which are found in many organs including blood vessels and the digestive tract. These antibodies are primarily associated with autoimmune hepatitis type 1, the most common form of autoimmune hepatitis, where the immune system attacks liver cells. SMA can also be found at low levels in other autoimmune conditions and sometimes in healthy individuals. Testing for smooth muscle antibodies, usually alongside other autoimmune markers, helps diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and guide treatment decisions to prevent liver damage.