Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody near me in Tiruvallur
Understanding Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody in Tiruvallur
What is Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody in Tiruvallur?
The Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody test is a blood test used to detect the presence of antibodies directed against liver and kidney microsomal antigens (produced in various liver conditions). This test helps diagnose autoimmune liver diseases, particularly type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-2), distinguishing it from other liver conditions such as type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-1), viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and other liver disorders. This test is widely available with Tata 1mg labs in Tiruvallur at an affordable price.
The test can be done if symptoms of liver disease such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools etc, and abnormal liver function tests (particularly alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)) are noticed. This test can also be used to monitor the progression of type 2 AIH and the response to treatment.
What does Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody measure?
The Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody test detects the presence of specific antibodies called liver kidney microsome-1 (LKM-1) antibodies. LKM-1 antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the body’s immune system that mistakenly target and attack a liver enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). These antibodies are strongly linked with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), making it a highly specific marker for the disease. Type 2 AIH primarily affects children and young adults, unlike type 1 AIH, which is more common in adults. It can lead to inflammation and damage to liver cells, potentially progressing to cirrhosis if untreated. Additionally, determining the presence of LMK-1 antibodies over time can help assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust therapeutic strategies if needed. The Liver Kidney Microsome - 1 Antibody test thus plays a crucial role in the management of AIH-2, guiding both the initial diagnosis and ongoing treatment decisions.