- What Are Anti-TG Antibodies And Why Are They Used
- So when the level of anti-TG antibodies is measured
- How anti-TG testing is done
- Test result for anti-TG anti-thyroid antibodies
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Anti-TG anti-thyroid antibodies are chemically a group of proteins produced in the thyroid gland and directed against thyroglobulin. The test in which the level of these antibodies is determined should be ordered in the case of a goiter in the neck or as part of monitoring of thyroid cancer therapy.
Anti-TG anti-thyroid antibodiesis a test that is ordered not only when you suspect an ongoing neoplastic process. Some autoimmune diseases also involve anti-TG antibodies. These include Hashimoto's disease or Graves-Basedov's disease.
What Are Anti-TG Antibodies And Why Are They Used
As the name suggests, anti-TG antibodies are a group of proteins secreted by thyroid follicular cells directed against thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin is produced by the thyroid gland, and in the course of further changes, it participates in the synthesis of two basic thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) responsible for many processes in our body. It has been proven that differentiated cancers secrete thyroglobulin, therefore the determination of this substance, as well as of proteins directed against it, seems to be relevant in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases of the thyroid gland. These are specific markers for some types of thyroid cancer.
So when the level of anti-TG antibodies is measured
The first indication for the need to measure the concentration of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies is the enlargement of the neck circumference, which is referred to in medical terminology as the appearance of a goiter.
Other indications are the results of other tests - abnormal concentration of free thyroid hormones - T3, T4, mainly in the case of increased levels of these substances, which may indicate hyperthyroidism. Symptoms reflecting abnormal thyroid homeostasis play an important role in making the diagnosis: weight loss, increased sweating, menstrual disorders, hyperactivity, hand tremors, tachycardia, i.e. a feeling of heart palpitations, sometimes shortness of breath.
The level of anti-TG antibodies should also be determined in all women planning pregnancy, as well as in those who have been trying for a baby for a long time without success. It is worth conducting such a test among patients with a history of obstetricians in the field of habitual miscarriages.
How anti-TG testing is done
Before the test to assess the concentration of anti-TG antibodies, there is no indication for special preparation of the patient, it is not required to fast on the day of determining the antibody titer. A venous blood sample is taken, the ulnar vein is the best available vessel. The injection site is decontaminated beforehand to prevent contamination of the test blood.
Technically speaking, blood sampling for anti-TG antibodies does not differ significantly from a standard blood test. And, in fact, no special preparation is required. However, the determination of antibodies is often not the first-time test, but another one in the treatment of thyroid cancer. In this case, detailed information on the medications taken by the patient, the doses of these substances, the stage of the disease in which they are located, as well as the therapies used in connection with the underlying disease is necessary.
Test result for anti-TG anti-thyroid antibodies
The reference values that we see in the test result may differ from patient to patient. They take into account additional parameters, such as age or gender. In addition, the method used to determine the titer of antibodies is also important. Despite the fact that the value of 100 IU / ml in medical literature and any lower result is considered normal, it is worth discussing the test result with your doctor.
An elevated antibody level may mean: autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland, such as Graves-Basedov's disease or Hashimoto's disease, thyroid adenoma, thyroid cancer, in particular papillary or follicular cancer.
Increasing concentration of anti-TG antibodies may, in turn, indicate the resumption of the neoplastic process. There are presumptions that an increased titer of anti-TG antibodies may appear in patients with hepatic insufficiency, but these are the premises that need to be confirmed in order to confirm the validity of this thesis.
The lack of anti-TG antibodies, as well as the absence of thyroglobulin alone, is a confirmation of radical removal of the thyroid gland by surgery or as a result of irradiation of this area. It is an extremely important test to exclude the presence of glandular tissue residues, it confirms the radicality of the treatment.
What is thyroglobulin?
Thyroglobulin is one of the proteins produced by thyroid follicular cells and involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The latter are responsible for many important processes that take place in the bodyhuman. They affect the proper functioning of the nervous and skeletal systems, and the endocrine system, and also participate in the metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It has been proven that thyroid hormones can regulate muscle strength and water balance. The concentration of thyroglobulin is important in monitoring neoplastic growth within the thyroid gland. Thanks to this, the effectiveness of the treatment can be assessed. Moreover, the examination of the level of the said protein is used to differentiate the etiology of hyperthyroidism.