Autoantibodies to Cytokeratins in Oesophageal Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): R.B. Vealel, A.L. Thornley, E. Scott, A. Antoni, I. Sega
Primary Institution: University of the Witwatersrand and Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa
Hypothesis
Are raised levels of autoantibodies to cytokeratins associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus?
Conclusion
The study found a significant increase in autoantibodies to certain cytokeratins in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared to healthy individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with SCC showed a 32% increase in autoantibody titre when using SNO or HeLa cell extracts as antigens.
- Immunofluorescence studies confirmed the presence of autoantibodies in 21 sera from patients with carcinoma.
- Western blotting revealed that antibodies to cytokeratin 18 were present in most sera from SCC patients.
Takeaway
The study shows that people with a type of throat cancer have more antibodies against certain proteins than healthy people.
Methodology
Sera from healthy individuals, patients with SCC, and patients with mild active oesophagitis were compared using radioimmunoassay, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence techniques.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size for patients with moderate oesophagitis and did not distinguish between adenocarcinoma and SCC.
Participant Demographics
All patients were black, aged 39-80, with a mean age of 57 years and a male/female ratio of 5.6:1.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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