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A type of antinuclear antibody that specifically targets double stranded DNA; while these antibodies are sometimes detectable in multiple different autoimmune disorders, their presence is generally considered highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus.
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An autoantibody that reacts with cardiolipin. Different immunoglobulin subclasses and isotypes are associated with different diseases and conditions. Some anticardiolipin antibodies prolong phospholipid dependent clotting while others are associated with spontaneous abortion.
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A naturally occurring allotropic pnictogen and metalloid trace element with atomic symbol As, atomic number 33, and atomic weight 74.92 that is found in water, air, food, and soil, and has a role as a micronutrient. Arsenic, which is highly toxic with acute or chronic exposure to moderate or high levels through an unknown mechanism of action, is used in many industrial processes, as well as in pharmaceuticals, feed additives, and pesticides. It is characterized as a white, yellow, gray metallic, or black solid that is odorless. Exposure occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or contact.
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Beta-2-microglobulin protein (119 aa, ~14 kDa) is encoded by the human B2M gene. This protein plays a role in immune responses and is a key component of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. The protein is localized to the surface of cells and is utilized as a prognostic marker in persons with cancers that involve white blood cells. The polypeptide is also used as a marker in kidney damage diagnosis and in the detection of viral infection.
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Produced by B-cells, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies reacts with HIV antigens. HIV is a virus which affects white blood cells and eventually destroys the body's natural ability to fight infections.
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Blood cells that are devoid of hemoglobin, capable of ameboid motion and phagocytosis, and act as the principal components of the immune system.
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White blood cells formed in the body's lymphoid tissue. The nucleus is round or ovoid with coarse, irregularly clumped chromatin while the cytoplasm is typically pale blue with azurophilic (if any) granules. Most lymphocytes can be classified as either T or B (with subpopulations of each); those with characteristics of neither major class are called null cells.
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A naturally occurring trace metalloid element and known neurotoxin with atomic symbol Hg, atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury has been used in manufacturing, as well as in dental and medical equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides. It is characterized as a heavy, silvery-white metallic liquid at room temperature that is odorless. Exposure occurs by inhalation of fumes, ingestion, or contact.
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An essential aromatic amino acid in humans (provided by food), Phenylalanine plays a key role in the biosynthesis of other amino acids and is important in the structure and function of many proteins and enzymes. Phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine, used in the biosynthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. The L-form of Phenylalanine is incorporated into proteins, while the D-form acts as a painkiller. Absorption of ultraviolet radiation by Phenylalanine is used to quantify protein amounts. (NCI04)
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A white tasteless odorless crystalline product of protein metabolism, found in the blood and urine, as well as trace amounts found in the various organs of the body. It can build up and form stones or crystals in various disease states.