The anti-dsDNA test identifies the presence of these autoantibodies in the blood.

The test for anti-dsDNA, along with other autoantibody tests, may be used to help establish a diagnosis of lupus and distinguish it from other autoimmune disorders.

The anti-double-stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA) is a specific type of ANA antibody found in about 30% of people with systemic lupus. Less than 1% of healthy individuals have this antibody, making it helpful in confirming a diagnosis of systemic lupus. The absence of anti-dsDNA, however, does not exclude a diagnosis of lupus. 

The presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies often suggests more serious lupus, such as lupus nephritis (kidney lupus). When the disease is active, especially in the kidneys, high amounts of anti-DNA antibodies are usually present. However, the anti-dsDNA test cannot be used to monitor lupus activity, because anti-dsDNA can be present without any clinical activity. Three tests are currently used to detect anti-dsDNA antibodies, namely enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test, and a test called radioimmunoassay.

Low to moderate levels of the autoantibody may be seen with other autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).

Anti-DNase B is a blood test to look for antibodies to a substance (protein) produced by group A streptococcus. This is the bacteria that cause strep throat.

Negative anti-DNase B and ASO tests or very low titers means that it is unlikely you had a recent strep infection. This is especially true if a sample taken 10 to 14 days later is also negative. Your signs and symptoms are likely due to a cause other than a recent strep infection.

What is Anti-Dopamine Receptor 1 (IgG + IgA)?

The Anti-Dopamine Receptor 1 (D1R) antibodies test measures IgG and IgA antibodies against dopamine receptor 1 (D1R), a key receptor in the brain involved in cognitive function, movement, and motivation. The presence of these antibodies may indicate immune system activity against dopamine receptors, potentially affecting neurological function.

A mildly elevated result for Anti-Dopamine Receptor 1 (IgG + IgA) on the Neural Zoomer Plus panel by Vibrant America suggests a low to moderate immune response targeting dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) in the brain. While not as concerning as a highly elevated result, it may still indicate underlying neuroinflammation, immune dysregulation, or an early-stage autoimmune response.

Possible Implications of a Mild Elevation

1. Early or Low-Grade Autoimmune Activity

   • A mild elevation may suggest the immune system is beginning to recognize dopamine receptors as targets, but the response is not yet severe.
   • Could be associated with mild neuroinflammation or early stages of conditions like autoimmune encephalitis or PANS/PANDAS (in children).

2. Transient Immune Activation

   • A temporary immune response due to a past infection, recent illness, or environmental trigger (e.g., viral infections, toxins, or stress).
   • If IgA is elevated, it may indicate a more recent immune activation, while IgG elevation suggests a longer-term or past immune response.

3. Subclinical Neurological Impact

   • While not necessarily causing overt neurological symptoms, a mild elevation could be linked to brain fog, mild mood changes, anxiety, or subtle cognitive impairments.
   • If symptoms are present, monitoring for changes over time may be beneficial.

4. Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability ("Leaky Brain")

   • Elevated IgA and IgG antibodies against D1R could indicate a compromised blood-brain barrier, allowing immune cells to interact with brain receptors more than usual.
   • May be associated with gut permeability (leaky gut), chronic inflammation, or systemic autoimmunity.

Next Steps for a Mild Elevation

• Retesting in a few months can help determine if the elevation is persistent or transient.
• Assess symptoms – If there are neurological or cognitive issues, further evaluation may be needed.
• Investigate underlying inflammation – Check for infections, gut health issues, or other autoimmune markers.
• Support brain health – Anti-inflammatory approaches (diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements like omega-3s, curcumin, and antioxidants) may help regulate immune activity.

What Is Anti-Dopamine Receptor 2 (IgG + IgA)?

The Anti-Dopamine Receptor 2 (DRD2) antibodies test measures immune reactivity to dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) in the brain. Dopamine receptors play a crucial role in neurotransmission, regulating movement, cognition, mood, and behavior. The presence of IgG and IgA antibodies against DRD2 may indicate an autoimmune reaction targeting these receptors.

A mildly elevated Anti-Dopamine Receptor 2 (IgG + IgA) result on the Neural Zoomer Plus panel by Vibrant America may indicate low-grade neuroimmune activation without necessarily pointing to an active or severe autoimmune condition. This can suggest:

Possible Implications of a Mild Elevation:

1. Early or Low-Grade Neuroinflammation:

   • A mild immune response against dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) may indicate early signs of neuroinflammation, which can be influenced by infections, gut health, or environmental factors.

2. Past Exposure or Immune Memory:

   • Mild elevations, particularly in IgG, might reflect past immune activity rather than an ongoing aggressive autoimmune attack. It may suggest a resolved or controlled response rather than active disease progression.

3. Gut-Brain Axis Imbalance:

   • Since IgA antibodies are primarily associated with mucosal immunity, a mild elevation in IgA could indicate a gut-brain connection, such as intestinal permeability (leaky gut) or dysbiosis triggering low-level immune cross-reactivity with dopamine receptors.

4. Molecular Mimicry & Post-Infectious Effects:

   • A mild elevation could result from a previous infection or immune challenge (e.g., streptococcal infections, viruses, or gut pathogens) that triggered an immune response with mild cross-reactivity against DRD2.
   • This is often seen in PANDAS/PANS, post-viral syndromes, or Lyme-associated neuroinflammation.

5. Subclinical or Early Autoimmune Activity:

   • Mildly elevated Anti-DRD2 antibodies might be an early marker of subclinical autoimmunity affecting the dopaminergic system, possibly increasing the risk of future mood, cognitive, or movement-related issues if other inflammatory markers are present.

6. Neurological & Psychiatric Symptoms Without Diagnosis:

   • Individuals with mild elevations may experience mild cognitive, behavioral, or mood-related symptoms (e.g., brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, subtle movement irregularities) without a clear clinical diagnosis.
   • If symptoms are present, addressing inflammation and immune regulation may be beneficial.

What Should You Do If Your Anti-DRD2 Result Is Mildly Elevated?

• Monitor symptoms: Pay attention to neurological, cognitive, or psychiatric symptoms that may correlate with dopamine dysregulation.
• Assess gut health: Address dysbiosis, food sensitivities, and leaky gut to reduce immune cross-reactivity.
• Check for infections: Rule out chronic infections (e.g., Strep, EBV, Lyme, viral triggers) that may be driving mild immune activation.
• Reduce inflammation: Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective strategies (omega-3s, antioxidants, polyphenols, low-toxin diet) may help regulate immune responses.
• Consider retesting: If symptoms persist or worsen, a follow-up test in 3-6 months can help track immune activity.

Bottom Line

A mildly elevated Anti-Dopamine Receptor 2 (IgG + IgA) result does not necessarily indicate disease, but it suggests low-level immune reactivity that could be linked to past infections, gut-brain axis issues, or early neuroimmune dysregulation. Evaluating other biomarkers, symptoms, and potential triggers can provide more context for managing overall neurological and immune health.

The anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) tests are used to help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells and tissues.

Your doctor may order an anti-dsDNA if you have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and symptoms associated with lupus, such as persistent fatigue, pain in your joints, and a red rash resembling a butterfly across the nose and cheeks. Anti-dsDNA tests are also periodically used to assess disease activity in people who have already been diagnosed with lupus.

The Anti-dsDNA antibody test, particularly the Farr assay, is a highly specific diagnostic tool pivotal in the evaluation and management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disorder. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies are a type of antinuclear antibody (ANA) that specifically target the DNA within the cell nucleus. These antibodies are considered one of the hallmark indicators of SLE, with their presence being a key criterion in the diagnosis of the disease.

The Farr assay, a radioimmunoassay, is renowned for its high specificity in detecting anti-dsDNA antibodies. This assay utilizes radiolabeled DNA to capture antibodies from a patient's serum. The bound antibodies are then measured, providing a quantitative assessment of the anti-dsDNA antibodies present. A positive Farr assay is strongly indicative of SLE, as these antibodies are rarely found in healthy individuals or those with other autoimmune disorders.

The anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) tests are used to help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells and tissues.

Your doctor may order an anti-dsDNA if you have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and symptoms associated with lupus, such as persistent fatigue, pain in your joints, and a red rash resembling a butterfly across the nose and cheeks. Anti-dsDNA tests are also periodically used to assess disease activity in people who have already been diagnosed with lupus.

The "Anti-Endothelin A Receptor" marker plays a critical role in the NeuralZoomer panel. Endothelin A receptor is a protein found on the surface of certain cells within the body and is involved in regulating various functions, including blood pressure and inflammation. When the immune system mistakenly targets and produces antibodies against the endothelin A receptor, it can lead to vascular issues and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Endothelin peptides modulate the development of distinct neural cell types, including Schwann cells, astrocytes, and neural crest cells, as well as physiologic growth and development. The endothelin A receptor has a greater affinity for ET-1, one of the peptides of endothelin.

The endothelin A receptor auto-antibodies are found in vascular dementia.

Anti-gliadin IgA is an important antibody in the context of diagnosing celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—their immune system mistakenly targets and damages the lining of the small intestine. Anti-gliadin IgA is one of the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the presence of gliadin, a component of gluten. This antibody is specifically of the IgA type, which is the main type of antibody found in mucous membranes, including the gut. The presence of anti-gliadin IgA in the blood is a sign that the immune system is reacting to gluten.

What does an equivocal result indicate?

An equivocal result indicates uncertainty as it falls within a borderline range that cannot be clearly classified as positive or negative. This means the levels of the antibody are not high enough to confirm the presence of a condition like celiac disease, nor low enough to rule it out. Consequently, healthcare providers may recommend retesting after some time to see if the levels change, order additional tests for more antibodies to gather more definitive information. The interpretation of an equivocal result heavily relies on the clinical context, including the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other test results. It often leads to closer monitoring of the patient's condition over time to observe any development or changes in symptoms. Essentially, an equivocal result prompts further investigation rather than providing a conclusive diagnosis, ensuring that patients receive accurate and appropriate care based on a comprehensive evaluation.