The immunolocalization of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), beta2-glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI), CD4(+)/CD8(+) immunoreactive lymphocytes, and immunoglobulins in atherosclerotic lesions strongly suggested an active participation of the immune system in atherogenesis. Oxidative stress leading to ox-LDL production is thought to play a central role in both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. ox-LDL is highly proinflammatory and chemotactic for macrophage/monocyte and immune cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to measure circulating ox-LDL have been developed and are being currently used to assess oxidative stress as risk factor or marker of atherosclerotic disease. ox-LDL interacts with beta(2)GPI and circulating ox-LDL/beta(2)GPI complexes have been demonstrated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It has been postulated that beta(2)GPI binds ox-LDL to neutralize its proinflammatory and proatherosclerotic effects. Because beta(2)GPI is ubiquitous in plasma, its interaction with ox-LDL may mask oxidized epitopes recognized by capture antibodies potentially interfering with immunoassays results. The measurement of ox-LDL/beta(2)GPI complexes may circumvent this interference representing a more physiological and accurate way of measuring ox-LDL.
Objective: The routine measurement of IgA anticardiolipin (aCL) and IgA anti-β 2 glycoprotein I (anti-β 2 GPI) antibodies remain controversial despite several studies demonstrating an association with thromboembolic disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This controversy may be a contributing factor for the current under use of IgA antiphospholipid antibodies. We aimed to investigate the nature of discrepant IgA anti-β 2 GPI reactivity to help define the diagnostic value of IgA antiphospholipid antibodies.Material and Methods: Four sera selected from SLE/APS patients and positive for antiphospholipid antibodies but having discrepant IgA anti-β 2 GPI reactivity on two commercial assays were studied. IgA antibodies were affinity purified to investigate anti-β 2 GPI reactivity. Column wash through and eluent fractions were tested on both IgA anti-β 2 GPI assays. Results were normalized to total protein. Assay conjugates and standards from the discrepant assays were interchanged.
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