COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 413
Elevated thyroglobulin and TPO antibodies strongly predict
development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, while TSH receptor
antibodies predict Graves' disease development [9]. Studies show
that individuals with these antibodies have a 30-50% risk of
developing clinical hypothyroidism within 10 years [10].
Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin, GAD65, and islet cell antibodies can appear years before
hyperglycemia develops. The presence of multiple pancreatic
antibodies significantly increases the predictive value, with studies
showing that individuals positive for multiple antibodies have a
>70% chance of developing Type 1 diabetes within 5 years [11].
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Collagen, fibulin, and citrullinated peptide antibodies often
appear 3-5 years before joint symptoms. The combination of these
antibodies with inflammatory markers can identify individuals at
the highest risk for rapid progression [12].
Multiple Sclerosis
Myelin basic protein and other neural antibodies may be present
years before neurological symptoms appear. Early detection
allows for interventions that may significantly delay or reduce the
severity of disease progression [13].
Value of Multi-Tissue Antibody Screening
One of the most valuable aspects of Array 5 is its ability to detect
autoimmune activity across multiple tissue types simultaneously.
This approach offers several key advantages:
Identification of Polyautoimmunity Risk
The presence of antibodies targeting multiple tissue types strongly
suggests a heightened risk for developing more than one
autoimmune condition4a phenomenon known as
polyautoimmunity [14]. This is particularly important since having
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