9194. Mitochondrial antibodies (AMA, method IFT)

AMA are autoantibodies directed against mitochondrial antigens. The AMA IFT test is a screening test that detects all types of these antibodies and is recommended if primary biliary cirrhosis is suspected, including an enlarged liver or spleen, jaundice of the skin and sclera, itching, and abnormal liver function tests.

The test can be prescribed to patients at risk for developing primary biliary cirrhosis (or relatives of patients). The test results help differentiate cirrhosis from other autoimmune and inflammatory liver diseases (hepatitis, cholangitis).

The AMA test is performed in conjunction with liver enzyme analysis (alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST), bilirubin, autoimmune disease markers, and determination of antimitochondrial antibodies M2 (AMA-M2).

Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies to various proteins located on the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. Antimitochondrial antibodies are produced by the immune system in autoimmune liver diseases. There are nine types of these immunoglobulins, designated by the letter M and a serial number from 1 to 9. M2 and M9 antibodies are highly specific. They are detected in the blood of approximately 95% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and are therefore considered a marker for this disease.

In primary biliary cirrhosis, antimitochondrial antibodies are produced in large quantities, often before the development of clinical symptoms. However, since mitochondrial antigens (enzymes of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex) share a chemical structure with some infectious agents, antimitochondrial antibodies are detected in 3-11% of patients with chronic active hepatitis. Slight elevations may also be detected in systemic autoimmune diseases and drug-induced liver injury.

• Diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis, particularly for differential diagnosis with other autoimmune liver diseases.
• Assistance in deciding on the need for liver transplantation.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: