pANCA

Atypical Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies

What's

pANCA

Atypical Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies, or pANCA, are unique proteins created by your body's defense system. They are considered "atypical" because they don't act like most other antibodies. Instead of protecting your body from harmful substances like bacteria or viruses, pANCA mistakenly attack your own cells, specifically a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil. The term "perinuclear" refers to their pattern of gathering around the center of these cells. These antibodies are often linked to certain autoimmune conditions, where the body's defense system mistakenly targets its own tissues.

If Your Levels Are High

If your pANCA levels are higher than normal, it means your immune system is working extra hard. This can happen for a few reasons, like taking certain medications, dealing with infections, or being exposed to something in your environment. It might also mean you have an autoimmune condition, where your body accidentally attacks its own cells. Autoimmune conditions can cause inflammation and harm to different parts of your body. Keep in mind that high pANCA levels can be linked to many different health issues, so it's not specific to just one problem.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of pANCA could include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, unexplained weight loss, and inflammation in the affected organs.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of pANCA might mean that your body isn't making these antibodies as much as it usually does. This could be because of different reasons, like how your body reacts to certain medicines, or it might be a sign that your immune system isn't as active as it should be. It's also possible that your body isn't dealing with any autoimmune issues right now, which is why these antibodies aren't being produced as much. Keep in mind that pANCA is often related to autoimmune conditions, so having low levels could mean that these conditions aren't currently affecting your body.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of pANCA are typically not noticeable, as these antibodies are usually associated with disease activity. Therefore, their absence or low levels might not produce any specific symptoms.

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Atypical Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies

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CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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