Inflammation is a vital facet of the human body’s immune response. It helps the body to heal and protect itself from infections that can result in serious illness. However, when the body’s inflammatory response is out of balance, it can cause many problems. These problems can be short-lived, such as when you come down with a cold or the flu. But other times, they can last much longer and result in chronic disorders.
Inflammatory disorders are a group of diseases where the body’s immune system becomes overactive and starts to attack the person’s own body tissues. This can lead to a wide range of pesky symptoms, depending on which part of the body is affected. In some cases, ELISA testing can be used to diagnose these disorders by detecting specific biomarkers that are associated with inflammation.
There are many different types of inflammatory disorders, but some of the more common include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can also lead to joint damage from consistent inflammation over time. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may test positive for certain biomarkers, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA).
- Crohn’s disease: This is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract. It often leads to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. People with Crohn’s disease may test positive for certain biomarkers, such as anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA).
- Psoriasis: This is a skin condition that causes abnormal red, scaly patches to form on the skin. It can also cause joint pain and swelling. People with psoriasis may test positive for certain biomarkers, such as anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG).
- Asthma: This is a condition that affects the airways, making it difficult to breathe. It is often triggered by allergies but can also be caused by inflammation. People with asthma may test positive for certain biomarkers, such as anti-eosinophilic cationic protein antibodies (ECP).
In some cases, ELISA testing can be used to help diagnose these disorders by detecting certain biomarkers.
What Is ELISA?
The acronym ELISA stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It is a type of test that can be used to detect and measure the levels of certain antibodies or other proteins in the blood. ELISA tests are often used to diagnose autoimmune disorders, such as inflammatory disorders.
How Does ELISA Work?
ELISA tests work by using a plate coated with a protein that the antibodies will bind to. If the person being tested has the antibodies in their blood, they will bind to the protein on the plate. This binding can then be detected and measured.
How Can ELISA Test for Inflammatory Disorders?
ELISA tests can be used to diagnose inflammatory disorders by detecting certain biomarkers that are associated with inflammation. For example, a test could be used to measure the levels of RF or ACPA in the blood. If the levels of these proteins are high, it may indicate that the person has an inflammatory disorder. However, at this point, further testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis unless a practicing doctor is certain of the diagnosis and is ready to suggest treatment.
For more information on inflammatory disorders and testing, see how ELISA kits redefine how we test for inflammatory diseases.
