Anti-DFS70 autoantibodies in undifferentiated connective tissue diseases subjects: what's on the horizon?

• Published in: Rheumatology (Oxford, England) Vol. 57; no. 7; pp. 1293 - 1298
• Main Authors: Infantino, Maria, Shovman, Ora, Pérez, Dolores, Manfredi, Mariangela, Grossi, Valentina, Benucci, Maurizio, Gobbi, Francesca Li, Bandinelli, Francesca, Damiani, Arianna, Moscato, Paolo, Azoulay, Danielle, Gilburd, Boris, Shoenfeld, Yehuda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.07.2018; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Autoantibodies; Chemiluminescence; Connective tissue diseases; Immunoassay; Immunoglobulins; undifferentiated connective tissue disease; anti-DFS70 antibodies; antinuclear antibodies
• ISSN: 1462-0324; 1462-0332; 1462-0332
• DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key012

Abstract Objective The main objective was to determine the prevalence of anti-dense fine speckled (DFS70) antibodies in a stable population of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) to better define their potential role. Methods Immunological and clinical records of 91 long-standing UCTD patients were studied. DFS pattern was determined using the IIF ANA test on HEp-2 cells and anti-DFS70 antibodies were tested by chemiluminescence assay and by DFS70 line immunoassay. Results Twelve (13.2%) of 91 serum samples were positive for anti-DFS70 antibodies by chemiluminescence assay and line immunoassay. There was no statistical significance between the prevalence of anti-ENA and anti-DNA autoantibodies in patients with and without anti-DFS70 antibodies. No differences were found in the clinical characteristics of both groups. The presence of the anti-DFS70 antibodies was related to the younger age class. Conclusion The high prevalence of anti-DFS70 antibodies in the UCTD patients suggested the potential role of these autoantibodies as a marker in the evolution of UCTD to CTD.