endomysiumiaineiden

Endomysiumaineiden is a Finnish term that translates to "endomysial antibodies" in English. These antibodies are a group of autoantibodies primarily associated with celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Endomysial antibodies are directed against the endomysium, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds individual muscle fibers. In individuals with celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly identifies components of the endomysium as foreign and produces antibodies against them. The specific antigen targeted by endomysial antibodies is tissue transglutaminase (tTG), an enzyme that plays a role in the processing of gluten.

Testing for endomysial antibodies, along with other related antibodies like anti-tTG antibodies, is a common diagnostic method for celiac disease. Elevated levels of these antibodies in the blood can indicate the presence of the condition. While highly sensitive and specific for celiac disease, diagnosis is typically confirmed through an intestinal biopsy. Endomysial antibody testing is a valuable tool in the initial screening and diagnosis of celiac disease, guiding further investigations.