COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 513
Certain chemicals directly damage immune cells or alter immune
signaling pathways, disrupting normal immune regulation and
potentially promoting autoimmune responses [15].
Barrier System Disruption
Many chemicals compromise barrier systems (gut, lungs, skin,
blood-brain barrier), allowing increased entry of foreign
substances and triggering widespread immune activation [16].
Value of Antibody Class Assessment
Array 11 measures both IgG and IgA antibodies against
chemical-protein complexes, providing valuable insights about
exposure routes and immune responses:
IgG Antibodies
IgG antibodies represent a systemic immune response and
suggest that chemicals have entered the bloodstream and
triggered a sustained adaptive immune reaction [17]. Elevated
IgG antibodies to chemicals indicate a memory response that
may persist long after the initial exposure has ended.
IgA Antibodies
IgA antibodies are primarily associated with mucosal immunity in
the gut, respiratory tract, and skin [18]. Elevated IgA antibodies to
chemicals suggest that exposure and immune reactivity are
occurring at these barrier surfaces, which may be an early
warning sign before systemic (IgG) reactivity develops.
The pattern of IgG versus IgA reactivity provides clues about
exposure routes and the stage of chemical immune reactivity,
guiding more targeted intervention strategies [19].
Who Should Consider Array 11
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