Gastric cancer is characterized by progressive accumulation of a concentrated, specific IgA response against H. pylori, beginning with an abnormal increase in the entire stomach but particularly in the adjacent non-tumor tissue.
In the present study, the mean serum IgA levels in oral precancer were 161.00 ( ± 118.02) mg/dL, oral cancers were 270.67 ( ± 171.44) mg/dL, and controls were 133.73 ( ± 101.31) mg/dL.
In adults, an elevated IgA has a different connotation [2,3], even including multiple myeloma [4]. Pediatric IgA levels in excess of 368 mg/dL are often associated with a rheumatological disorder, immune deficiency, or inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, and in most situations, all immunoglobulins are elevated [1].
Elevation of IgA may occur in monoclonal gammopathies such as multiple myeloma, primary systemic amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and related disorders. Decreased levels are found in patients with primary or secondary immune deficiencies.
High levels of (aberrantly glycosylated) IgA are present in multiple diseases including IgA nephropathy, dermatitis herpetiformis, IgA vasculitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
High IgA usually points to chronic infections or inflammation, though diverse disorders can raise its levels. In adults, values above 300 mg/dL are considered high by most labs. High levels do not cause any symptoms. Symptoms depend on the underlying cause and health status, which should be evaluated by a physician.
IgA nephropathy occurs when too much of this protein is deposited in the kidneys. IgA builds up inside the small blood vessels of the kidney. Structures in the kidney called glomeruli become inflamed and damaged. The disorder can appear suddenly (acute), or get worse slowly over many years (chronic glomerulonephritis).
Academic examination stress induced significant increases in serum IgA, IgG, IgM, and alpha 2-M in students with high-stress perception, but not in these with low-stress perception.
A high level of one of these immunoglobulins is often present in multiple myeloma. IgG and IgA are the immunoglobulins most often found in high amounts in people with multiple myeloma.
Doctors sometimes find signs of IgA nephropathy during a routine urine test, when they see blood or protein in your urine under a microscope. You may also: Feel weak and tired.
They observed a differential elevation of CSF IgA levels during active MS, which correlated with clinical relapses and MRI activity as measured by active lesion volume.
The authors report a significant increase in the rheumatoid factor titre in rheumatoid arthritis patients with vasculitis. A significant rise in IgG and IgA levels was found in uncomplicated RA, when compared with a normal population.
This increase in IgA secretion in the infected tissue correlates with previous studies that demonstrated serum IgA values might indicate gastric cancer risk development.
Plasma levels of anti-FadAc IgA were significantly increased in patients with colorectal cancer (mean ± SD: 1.48 ± 1.07 μg/mL) compared with matched healthy controls (0.71 ± 0.36 μg/mL; P = 0.001). The increase was significant in both early (stages I and II) and advanced (stages III and IV) colorectal cancer.
The investigators observed an association between high levels of IgE and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas, cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, and lung cancer, but, overall, there was no strong evidence for high risk of any cancer type.
Patients with diffuse lymphomas had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher levels of IgG and IgA than patients with follicular lymphomas.
A "high" IgA M-spike is considered to be ~ 5 g/dL using the Durie Salmon staging criteria. Doing the math and taking an average "healthy" IgA level of about 200 mg/dL, and adding an IgA M-spike of 5 g/dL (5000 mg/dL), that would give you a total possible IgA of 5200 mg/dL (or more).
Conclusions: Elevated serum IgA levels are common in NAFLD patients and when present, are associated with more advanced disease. Patients with elevated serum IgA levels are also more likely to progress to cirrhosis than those with normal levels.
During infection, IgA-induced inflammation allows for a tailored immune response to counteract invading pathogens. However, when overactive or deficient, it may also lead to the development of chronic inflammation.
Some complementary approaches include yoga, herbal supplements (curcumin), and following a healthy diet. Studies suggest that cocoa, avoiding heavy drinking, and refraining from fasting may also reduce inflammation and lower IgA levels.
When these levels are elevated, it is a likely sign that you're at risk for celiac disease. An important thing to note is that these elevated antibodies don't always mean you have celiac disease. They could signal other autoimmune issues, but having them warrants further testing specifically for celiac disease.
The most common symptom is blood in the urine (hematuria). It takes many years to progress to the stage where it causes problems. These include swelling, recurrent upper respiratory infections, or intestinal disease. People with IgA nephropathy may also have flank pain and a low fever.