Investigation of the relationship between anti-endothelial cell antibody with autoantibodies against granulocyte cytoplasm

Vasculitides develope in consequence of vessel inflammation. One of their charecteristics is the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) which occur via the effect of some IgG autoantibodies against some protein molecules. It has previously been shown that anti-endotheliyal cell antibodies (AECA) accelerate the inflammatory process and stimulate the destruction of intimal layer of vessel walls. Early determination of AECA before ANCA could help to inhibit inflammation before the onset of destruction. In this study it is aimed to determine the ANCA positivity in patients with vasculitis and its coincidence with AEHA.Sera from subjcets (2 with Wegener Granulomatosis, 16 with Behçet Disease, 82 unclassified vasculitis and 100 healthy volunteers) were studied for AECA and ANCA positivity using immunofluorescence assay (IFA).AECA positivity, ANCA positivity and their coincidence were significantly different between patients with vasculitis and healthy volunteers.According to the results of this study; AECA or ANCA positivity alone may generate a risk factor for vasculitis. Although the coincidence of both antibodies is very rare, it may increase the risk further. Additionally, the determination of AECA may provide a predictive value for several diseases concerning the vessel walls.