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Allergy to fur animals is becoming an increasingly common clinical problem in everyday medical practice. Depending on the route of exposure to the allergen, patients present with many, often non-specific symptoms. The most common illnesses among people with allergies to the above-mentioned allergens are as follows: allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic bronchial asthma, food allergy, allergic contact dermatitis, and sometimes anaphylactic shock. In recent years, there has been a change in the holistic approach to the treatment of allergy patients. The method of treatment should be tailored to a specific patient, taking into account his or her predispositions, economic possibilities, and therapeutic goals. The article describes the main methods of treating allergies, focusing primarily on allergies to fur animals. Allergy treatment always requires great care, and qualification for specific types of therapy should be preceded by a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
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Hipersensibilidade , Animais , Humanos , Hipersensibilidade/terapia , Hipersensibilidade/imunologia , Alérgenos/imunologia , Pelo Animal/imunologia , Hipersensibilidade Alimentar/terapia , Hipersensibilidade Alimentar/imunologia , GatosRESUMO
An organism's ability to function properly depends not solely on its diet but also on the intake of nutrients and non-nutritive bioactive compounds that exert immunomodulatory effects. This principle applies both to healthy individuals and, in particular, to those with concomitant chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. However, the current food industry and the widespread use of highly processed foods often lead to nutritional deficiencies. Numerous studies have confirmed the occurrence of immune system dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. This article elucidates the impact of specific nutrients on the immune system function, which maintains homeostasis of the organism, with a particular emphasis on type 2 diabetes. The role of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and selected substances, such as omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid, was taken into consideration, which outlined the minimum range of tests that ought to be performed on patients in order to either directly or indirectly determine the severity of malnutrition in this group of patients.
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Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Desnutrição , Humanos , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Estado Nutricional , Nutrientes , ImunomodulaçãoRESUMO
Diagnosis of allergic diseases is a complex, multi-stage process. It often requires the use of various diagnostic tools. The in vitro diagnostics (IVD), which includes various laboratory tests, is one of the stages of this process. Standard laboratory tests include the measurement of the serum concentration of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) for selected allergens, full allergen extracts and/or single allergen components (molecules). The measurement of IgE sIgE to the allergen components is called molecular allergy diagnosis. During the standard laboratory diagnostic process, various models of immunochemical tests are used, which enable the measurement of sIgE for single allergens (one-parameter tests, singleplex) or IgE specific for many different allergens (multi-parameter tests, multiplex) in one test. Currently, there are many different test kits available, validated for IVD, which differ in the method type and allergen profile. The aim of the manuscript is to present various technical aspects related to modern allergy diagnostics, especially in the area of molecular allergy diagnostics.
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Cross-reactivity of allergens is the cause of various, sometimes unexpected, clinical reactions. There are no standard methods to investigate cross-reactivity. We present an experimental model of a two-sided inhibition test (IT) on ImmunoCAP membranes (CAP). We constructed the described model based on the known cross-allergy syndrome to red meat developing in people bitten by ticks (α-Gal syndrome; AGS). Some individuals who are bitten by ticks develop IgE antibodies specific to the carbohydrate determinant, galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal), present in the tick's saliva. These antibodies can cross-react with α-Gal molecules expressed on mammalian meat proteins. The well-known property of anti-α-Gal IgE antibodies binding by various sources of this allergen was used by us in the proposed model of the two-sided inhibition test on ImmunoCAP membranes. We expected that anti-α-Gal IgE antibodies bind allergens from mammalian meat and blocking them abolishes this reactivity, and the two-sided inhibition test model we proposed on ImmunoCAP membranes allowed us to observe such a relationship. We conducted the experiment three times on biological material from people with different clinical manifestations of allergy to α-Gal, each time obtaining similar results. In conclusion, the model of bilateral inhibition on ImmunoCAP membranes proposed by us seems to be an attractive, simple tool for direct testing of allergic cross-reactivity.
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A strong relationship exists between immune dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Immune dysregulation can promote the development of cardiovascular diseases as well as exacerbate their course. The disorders may occur due to the presence of primary immune defects (currently known as inborn errors of immunity) and the more common secondary immune deficiencies. Secondary immune deficiencies can be caused by certain chronic conditions (such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, autoimmune diseases, or cancer), nutritional deficiencies (including both lack of nutrients and bioactive non-nutrient compounds), and medical treatments and addictive substances. This article unravels the molecular linkage between the aforementioned immune system disorders and atherosclerosis.
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Food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) belongs to a group of IgE-independent food allergies. It is the domain of paediatric patients, but it can also occur in adults. In this disease there is a life-threatening risk resulting from the possibility of a severe course of the disease and the development of hypovolemic shock. The disease was first defined in the mid-1970s. Knowledge about this disease is extremely low, we do not know its exact frequency, and the disease itself usually appears between 2 and 7 months of age. FPIES occurs mainly in formula-fed infants, typically 1-4 weeks after formula introduction, very rarely in breastfed infants, but may also develop in adults.
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Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) degrade extracellular matrix. Some studies show that MMP9 concentration in follicular fluid (FF) may play a role in oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. The immunology of follicular fluid is still not fully understood. Aim: Assessment of RANTES, MIP4A, MMP7, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2 and TIMP 3 concentration in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer procedure. Material and methods: This case-control study included 20 randomly selected patients with a positive pregnancy (PPG) test and 20 patients with a negative pregnancy (NPG) test after IVF/ET. In FF obtained during oocyte retrieval, the concentrations of MIP4A, MMP7, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2, TIMP 3, RANTES, IL-12p40, and IL-17A were measured. Their effect on the characteristics of follicles, embryos, and the efficiency of IVF and ET were analysed. Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between a positive pregnancy test and the results of the immunoassay performed. The number of COC-1 correlates significantly and positively with RANTES (r = 0.34; p = 0.038) and IP-10 (r = 0.329; p = 0.038). MII correlates significantly and positively with RANTES (r = 0.341, p = 0.031). The number of top-quality embryos correlates significantly and positively with IL-17A (r = 0.451, p = 0.004) and TIMP 1 (r = 0.44, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The concentration of IL-17A and TIMP 1 may predict IVF/ET success. Further studies are required on the influence of the follicular fluid immunological environment on oocyte maturation and quality and, subsequently, embryo development.
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Introduction: The key to the correct diagnosis of shrimp allergy is a qualification to the most efficient diagnostic method and later interpretation of the result. To achieve this, it is necessary to apply a diagnostic strategy relevant to each patient's clinical situation and approach every case individually. Aim: In this study the allergen profile of shrimp-sensitized patients was analysed using ALEX2 Allergy Explorer. Material and methods: This study includes 50 adult patients with positive prick-by-prick tests with tiger shrimp bought from the local eco-market and an elevated concentration of IgE specific to the shrimp allergen extract (ImmunoCap). A total of 35 patients with negative skin prick tests with shrimp and not detectable sIgE shrimp in ImmunoCap were included in the control group. All patients had ALEX2 Allergy Explorer microarray test. Results: In the shrimp-sensitized group, 22 patients were sensitized to at least one allergen component of Penaeus monodon, 20 patients were sensitized to crab, and 20 were sensitized to lobster. Only 15 (30%) patients were sensitized to the Northern prawn (Pandalus borealis) allergen extract in ALEX2 and only 12 (24%) to Shrimp mix (Litopenaeus setiferus, Farfantepenaeus aztecus, Farfantepenaeus dourarum). Conclusions: Sensitization to shrimp tropomyosin in the research group was present only in 34% of cases. There may be other shrimp allergen components, not available in ALEX2, which are responsible for shrimp sensitization.
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The similarity in antigenic structures, including the degree of correspondence between the amino acid sequence and the spatial structure, is not always reflected in the actual cross-reactivity of allergens. Inhibition tests appear to be an invaluable tool for assessing potential cross-reactivity between allergens under natural conditions. In this publication, we present two experimental models of inhibition tests: solid phase (SP-IT) and liquid phase (LP-IT). As an exemplary research model, we used the cross-reactivity between human PSA and anti-Can f 5 IgE antibodies. We performed an SP-IT model using a microplate coated with human PSA. The LP-IT model was based on mixing anti-Can f 5 IgE positive serum with a material containing human PSA. Anti-Can f 5 IgE and PSA concentrations before and after inhibition were measured to evaluate inhibition effectiveness. The results of the performed experiments showed that both proposed models of inhibition tests are an effective tools for studying cross-reactive relationships between antigens. In the SP-IT, the concentration of anti-Can f 5 decreased by 21.6% and, in the LP-IT, it decreased by 34.51%. In turn, the PSA concentration in the SP-IT decreased by 11.25% and, in the LP-IT, it decreased by 15.49%. In conclusion, both the SP-IT and the LP-IT seem to be effective tools for assessing the actual cross-reactivity between different allergens.
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Imunoglobulina E , Antígeno Prostático Específico , Alérgenos , Reações Cruzadas , Humanos , Masculino , Modelos TeóricosRESUMO
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for causing the COVID-19 disease, which affected 174 million people worldwide. After vaccines were launched, the focus was on their effectiveness and the degree of their safety. Aim: The authors try to find factors that may affect the response to vaccination. Material and methods: The study was conducted in 47 adults (39 women and 8 men; age: 47.3 ±11.2). Participants were vaccinated with two doses of the Comirnaty mRNA vaccine. Each patient had a medical history taken and the concentration of specific sIgG antibodies against S1 protein and SARS-CoV-2 N protein, as well as of selected cytokines (IL-8, TGF-ß, IFN-γ) was determined before and 3 weeks after the first and second dose of the vaccine. Results: There were 18 convalescents among the respondents. A statistically significant increase in the concentration of specific sIgG S1 in subsequent determinations was observed. Higher levels of sIgG S1 were found after the first dose of the vaccine in COVID-19 convalescents. There was no statistically significant influence of age, body mass index and sex on the increase in the concentration of antibodies and the concentration of the determined cytokines. It was shown that the higher the initial TGF-ß concentration, the greater the increase in sIgG S1 after administration of the vaccine. Conclusions: Vaccination did not increase the levels of IL-8, IFN-ß and TGF-γ. A higher concentration of serum TGF-ß before vaccination correlated with the higher concentration of sIgG S1 antibodies after the first dose of the vaccine.
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BACKGROUND: Adipocytokines have been proposed as factors mediating associations between obesity and inflammation in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the clinical relationships between blood concentrations of leptin (LEP), adiponectin (ADP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and the outcomes measured in patients with CRC undergoing surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: History, body composition, and blood concentrations of LEP, ADP, and TNF-alpha were determined in 107 patients undergoing surgery due to CRC. The patients were followed up for 619.72 ± 371.65 days. RESULTS: Compared to patients with stage II CRC, individuals with clinical stage I CRC had significantly lower ADP and higher TNF-alpha blood concentrations. We found significant correlations between the clinical stage of CRC (early vs. localized vs. metastatic) and the following: crude blood ADP concentration (R = 0.25; p = 0.015), ADP-to-TNF-alpha ratio (R = 0.31; p = 0.002), and ADP when indexed to body surface area (R = 0.25; p = 0.008) and to fat mass (R = 0.25; p = 0.016). The risk of death during the long-term follow-up period was independently related to the clinical stage of CRC, impairment of the patient's functional status, and higher blood carcinoembryonic antigen concentration. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with blood LEP concentrations adjusted to a visceral adipose tissue score of ≥0.47 had a significantly better likelihood of surviving than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CRC undergoing surgery, blood ADP and TNF-alpha concentrations were associated with the clinical stage of the cancer, likelihood of radical tumor excision, occurrence of nonsurgical postoperative complications, and long-term survival, which suggests the role of dysregulation in the endocrine function of adipose tissue in response to the neoplasmatic process.
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Neoplasias Colorretais , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa , Adiponectina , Tecido Adiposo , Neoplasias Colorretais/cirurgia , Humanos , LeptinaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteolytic enzymes, conditioning the integrity of skin cells, however, their role in the inflammatory process of atopic dermatitis (AD) and the direct effect on the epidermal barrier parameters remain unexplained. AIM: To assess MMP-1, MMP-2, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 concentrations in blood serum in the context of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration in AD. Moreover, serum levels of MMPs and TIMP-1 were analysed in relation to the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three AD patients and 22 control group subjects have been investigated. Serum concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 have been evaluated with ELISA. TEWL and stratum corneum hydration have been assessed with a TM300 Tewameter and a CM825 Corneometer. Skin lesions in patients with AD have been evaluated with the Eczema Area and Severity Index. RESULTS: MMP-1 and MMP-2 serum concentrations were significantly higher in the AD group. The results of TIMP-1 serum concentration were similar for both groups. The correlation between the serum concentration and the EASI was demonstrated only for MMP-2 for patients with severe and moderate AD. Patients with AD and TIMP-1 serum concentration greater than MMP-1 presented lower TEWL and higher epidermal hydration. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study warrant further investigation. The predominance of TIMP-1 over MMP-1 in blood serum can potentially limit TEWL and maintain the proper water content of the epidermis. Future work is necessary to establish how reliable the role of MMP-2 concentration is as an indicator of the severity of AD.
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From a botanical point of view, a nut is a kind of dry, closed, unbroken, single-seeded fruit, which has a ligneous pericarp made up of several fruiting bodies surrounded by one free semen. The term "allergy to tree nuts" includes allergies to almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, pistachios and walnuts. All tree nuts belong to five orders of plants: Rosaceae, Fagales, Sapindales, Ericales and Proteales. Allergies to tree nuts usually start in childhood, but unlike other food allergies, they rarely fade away and generally persist throughout life. They are one of the main causes of serious allergic reactions ending in death in both children and adults. The epidemiology of allergy to nuts is variable and depends mainly on the geographical zone and eating habits. In northern Europe, hazelnut allergy is prevalent, whereas in the USA the most common is allergy to peanuts and, when taking tree nuts into consideration, to walnuts. The diagnosis of allergies to nuts is difficult and requires the use of the most modern research tools including molecular diagnostic techniques.
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INTRODUCTION: Interleukin 25 (IL-25) is a cytokine with proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, and its biological function of reciprocal epidermal hyperplasia and of inhibiting the filaggrin synthesis points to an essential role connecting the inflammatory process with damage to the epidermal barrier in the course of atopic dermatitis (AD). AIM: To assess the IL-25 in serum concentration in AD patients and to analyse its possible correlation with the disease intensity and selected epidermal barrier parameters such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 43 patients with AD and 22 healthy volunteers. The IL-25 concentration was measured using the ELISA method. The intensity of disease symptoms was investigated using W-AZS and EASI indicators. The epidermal barrier was evaluated using a Tewameter TM300 and Corneometer CM825. RESULTS: The concentration of IL-25 in serum was higher in the study group than in the control group. IL-25 serum concentration correlates with W-AZS/EASI in patients with a severe and moderate course of AD. The concentration of IL-25 affects the TEWL within the affected, evaluated skin surface. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated IL-25 concentration in serum is characteristic for patients with moderate and severe AD intensity. The IL-25 concentration in serum correlates with TEWL and with the moisture level in the affected area. However, further studies are necessary to determine the role played by IL-25 in the course of the disease and how it affects the functional parameters of the epidermal barrier.
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INTRODUCTION: Venom immunotherapy (VIT) can protect against severe anaphylactic reactions (SR) in 80-100% of subjects allergic to Hymenoptera venom. The mechanisms of induction of immunological tolerance produced by VIT are still little known. It has been shown that VIT modulates Treg activity, Th2 or Th1 cells or both, increases production of IL-10, decreases secretion of IL-13, and causes an IgG4/IgE ratio shift. AIM: To investigate the blood eosinophil count, CCL5/RANTES and IL-17E/IL-25 concentrations before and after the initial phases of the rush protocol of VIT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty individuals (14 males, 26 females) of mean age 41.03 ±12.43 years were included in the study. The peripheral eosinophils and the concentration of serum interleukin IL-17E/IL-25 and RANTES were determined before and after the initial phase of VIT. RESULTS: Paired sample t-test revealed that all patients after VIT had significantly higher eosinophil levels compared to the baseline (mean: 0.42 vs. 0.64, p < 0.05). Moreover, in subjects treated with bee venom, RANTES levels proved to rise significantly (51 × 103 vs. 62 × 103, p < 0.05) while IL-17E/IL-25 dropped with near-marginal significance (916 vs. 650, p = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: Our immunological study on the early phase of venom immunotherapy suggested that eosinophils, cytokines such as CCL5/RANTES and IL-17E/IL-25 contribute to the immunological response.
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INTRODUCTION: Food allergy affects 6-17% of Europeans and in 60% of the cases it is accompanied by inhalation allergy. This is due to two phenomena, namely co-sensitisation and cross-reactivity, which are caused by panallergens, such as lipid transfer proteins (LTP). These proteins are classified as defence proteins PR-14 and are responsible for protecting the plant from bacterial and fungal infections. Clinically, LTP allergy manifests with severe anaphylactic reactions or milder reactions, such as oral allergy syndrome. AIM: To assess the incidence of specific IgE to components belonging to LTP based on molecular testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the Department of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Internal Diseases in Bydgoszcz, Poland. A total of 50 subjects participated in the study. Each subject had their asIgE levels determined with ImmunoCap ISAC. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Antigen-specific IgE antibodies to LTP components were identified in 24% of the subjects. In subjects with LTP allergy, adverse skin reactions were the most common after consumption of sensitising foods. Peach was the most common food allergen triggering these reactions. The Artemisia vulgaris component Art v 3 was the precursor of LTP allergy in our study population: the highest incidence and the highest mean levels of asIgE were demonstrated for this component.
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INTRODUCTION: The level of fear of hymenoptera associated with stinging or envenomation may depend on situational factors and on trait anxiety characteristic of each patient. AIM: To assess the relationship between fear of stinging insects on the one hand and state anxiety and trait anxiety on the other in a group of patients with hymenoptera venom allergy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted by the Department of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Internal Diseases, Dr J. Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Poland. A total of 114 patients (71 women (63%) and 43 men (37%)) with hymenoptera venom allergy undergoing immunotherapy participated in the study. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a dedicated scale developed by the authors for this study were used. RESULTS: State anxiety was found to significantly (p < 0.05) correlate with anxiety in the present moment (R = 0.247), in a situation of real danger (appearance of an insect) (R = 0.223) and during the spring and summer seasons (R = 0.278). Trait anxiety was found to significantly (p < 0.05) correlate with anxiety before immunotherapy (R = 0.261), in the present moment (R = 0.257), in a situation of real danger (appearance of an insect) (R = 0.254), and after an insect sting (R = 0.236). These were also weak correlations. The correlation between trait anxiety and anxiety during the spring and summer seasons was moderate (R = 0.331). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of trait and state anxiety are associated with the magnitude of the fear of the danger. Respondents showed a higher level of anxiety in a situation of danger and after an insect sting.
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Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms describe acute airway narrowing that occurs as a result of exercise. It includes exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise-induced asthma (EIA) issues. To provide clinicians with practical guidelines, a multidisciplinary panel of stakeholders was convened to review the pathogenesis of EIB/EIA and to develop evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of EIB were developed. High-intensity exercise in polluted environment (cold air, humidity, contamination, allergens) may increase the risk of EIB and asthma symptoms in athletes. Diagnostic procedures should include history taking, physical examination, atopy assessment and functional tests of the respiratory system. A strong recommendation was made for regular use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids and avoidance of short-acting ß2-agonists as the only treatment. The treatment of asthma in athletes should always take into account current anti-doping regulations. This position paper reflects the currently available evidence.
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Severe asthma requires at least high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in combination with a long-acting ß-agonist (LABA) or systemic corticosteroids (SCS) for more than 50% of days/year to avoid loss of control, or remains uncontrolled despite the treatment described above. The diagnosis of severe asthma should be confirmed in a reference centre as it requires careful differential diagnosis and the exclusion of factors hindering the achievement of optimal control. Severe asthma represents a significant burden for the patient, their family and the healthcare system. This is due to the severity of the symptoms, drug costs, significant impairment of everyday functioning and life quality, and limitation in the professional work. In the case of ineffectiveness of the step 4 GINA treatment, the patient should be referred to a specialist centre to consider additional treatment, including anti-IgE receptor (omalizumab), anti-IL-5 receptor (mepolizumab), or an antibody directed against the α-subunit of receptor for IL-5 (benralizumab). In the case of severe asthma, intensification of therapy should first of all include biological therapy and not the use of SCS. Biological drugs are available in Poland as a part of the therapeutic programme for the treatment of severe asthma. In practice, the therapeutic programme may change with subsequent notices of the Ministry of Health and does not have to be consistent with the Summary of Product Characteristics for individual preparations. The current review presents the basic principles of differential diagnosis of severe asthma and the selection of the optimal biological therapy in Polish conditions.
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Antibody determination is routinely used in everyday rheumatological practice. Its result repeatedly determines the diagnosis or exclusion of a particular disease. Antibodies are immunoglobulins, i.e. some of the most important proteins in the immune system, and have specific properties that we should know. In addition, there are a number of factors that can affect their concentration, including drugs commonly used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. There are definite indications, when the total concentrations of individual classes of immunoglobulins should be initially determined and it should be evaluated whether the patient produces them at all or their production is impaired. In some cases, we should evaluate the levels of specific antibodies along with the total protein concentration and the γ-globulin fraction, in which the antibodies are contained. The article presents information on the most common mistakes made when performing these tests.