Usefulness of Anti-Ro52 Antibodies in the Bal of the Patients with Ilds. Pilot Study

The Ro52 is a ubiquitous protein over-expressed during inflammation and apoptosis. The presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies in the serum of patients with Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) has been associated with interstitial lung involvement. In situ formation of anti- SS-A / Ro antibodies has been demonstrated in the salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren síndrome. These findings support the possibility of in situ production of anti-Ro52 antibodies in the lung. The aim of the study is to detect the presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies in the BAL of patients with ILDs and evaluate its potential clinical value. Methods: Anti-Ro52 antibodies (IgG and IgA) were prospectively analyzed by immunoblot in the BAL and serum of ILDs patients at the onset of clinical evaluation Results: Anti-Ro52 antibodies were found in 4 patients with final diagnosis of ILD associated with CTD. In 2 of them the initial ANA serum determination was weakly positive The positive result in BAL helped us to suspect the diagnosis. Conclusions: The determination of anti-Ro52 antibodies in the BAL as complementary tool might help in the multidisciplinary approach to ILDs diagnosis.