In the article, we consider that this is interferon status.
Interferons are components of non-specific immunity that a person has from birth. Among their main functions are increasing the body's resistance to the influence of viruses, modulating the cycles of death and development of tumor and normal cells, and enhancing the immune response.
Basic concepts
Many are interested in what it is. Interferon status is a comprehensive laboratory characteristic that reflects the activity of non-specific immune components, the sensitivity of the human body to medications that are aimed at correcting them. This system contains tests for alpha, gamma, spontaneous, serum interferon and determination of susceptibility to drugs that affect the level of interferons.
Assign an analysis for interferon status in infections, including viral, allergic manifestations, immunodeficiency, and oncological pathologies. Venous blood is taken, biological and enzyme immunoassay methods are used. Preparation of the results takes 11-14 days.
Combination of several indicators
Interferon status is a combination of several indicators characterizing the activity of nonspecific, that is, innate, responses of the immune system. Interferons are the first to protect the body when foreign agents of an infectious and non-infectious nature penetrate it. As a result of infection in the cell, a reaction begins that triggers the synthesis of certain proteins, which are interferons. Among their main functions is the interruption of the spread of infection, the preservation of hemostasis, the stimulation of adaptive and innate immune responses. Interferons are formed in all vertebrates; natural inducers of compounds are viruses.
Interferons are produced by all cells in the body, fibroblasts and leukocytes produce more than one type of interferon. To carry out the study, it is necessary to take a sample of venous blood. The results obtained in the course of laboratory research are used in the field of allergology, oncohematology, infectious diseases, immunology.
Indications for the study
A blood test for interferon status is part of a comprehensive immunological examination. The most common indications for the study are: relapses of viral infections, protracted chronic infectious pathologies. Thanks to the results of the study, it becomes possible to assess the immunological reactivity of the body, the selection of the optimal treatment option. Due to the fact that interferons cause resistance to viruses and other foreign agents (tumor cells), the list of indications for such a study is quite extensive, it includes oncological, autoimmune, allergic, and some other pathologies.
A study of interferon status is recommended for the following diseases.
- Various forms of bronchial asthma.
- Hives.
- Progressive course of multiple sclerosis.
- Viral hepatitis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Immunodeficiency conditions.
- Cancer.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
What else is used for?
Assessing the deviations from the norm of the data obtained during the study, the doctor clarifies the diagnosis, monitors the therapy, makes a forecast of the pathology. In some cases, laboratory testing is used to create an adapted treatment regimen for interferon drugs and drugs that stimulate the synthesis of interferons.
The results obtained in the course of decoding the interferon status should be considered in conjunction with the results of other laboratory tests and the information obtained during examination and clinical examination. A decrease in the synthesis of interferons can be a consequence or cause of pathology. During the study, it is possible to identify acquired or congenital deficiency of non-specific immunity, in addition, interferon-stimulating drugs can be prescribed on the basis of it.
Study preparation
So, what is this - interferon status, now it is clear.
To determine it, use a sample of blood taken from a vein. It is recommended to donate blood no earlier than 4-6 hours after the last meal. If the study also involves determining the susceptibility to interferon drugs, then it should be carried out before their appointment. As a rule, the blood sampling procedure is carried out on an empty stomach in the morning. It is recommended that, half an hour before the blood sampling, quit smoking and avoid emotional and physical stress.
Assessment results in most laboratories are prepared over several weeks, usually 1-2.
What does interferon status show? Let's consider in more detail.
Norm indicators
Its definition is complex, therefore, for each test there are reference values. If the immune system is functioning normally, then the test scores for spontaneous and serum interferons will be low, and for alpha and gamma interferon high.
At any age, the normal level:
- serum-type interferon - 0-8 units per milliliter;
- spontaneous type - 0-2 units per milliliter;
- INF-alpha induced - 640-1280 units per milliliter (in adults);
- INF-alpha induced - 320-640 units per milliliter (up to 14 years);
- INF gamma induced - 128-256 units per milliliter (in adults);
- INF-gamma induced - 64-128 units per milliliter (up to 14 years).
The results of studies conducted to determine individual susceptibility are of a qualitative nature. If under the influence of the drug the production of INF-gamma doubles, then the sensitivity is weak, three-four-fold - pronounced, five and more - very pronounced. However, it should be taken into account that research indicators affect physiological factors. Against the background of severe stress and physical activity, the production of interferon of a spontaneous type increases, the production of induced INF-alpha and INF-gamma decreases.
Evaluation of the results
A study of interferon status is carried out to assess the readiness of the immune system to respond adequately to the invasion of foreign and viral agents. Determination of individual susceptibility to interferon drugs (drugs that stimulate the production of interferons) - immunomodulators allows the specialist to choose the most effective therapeutic regimens. Taking into account the diagnosis, the drugs included in these groups of drugs are combined with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibiotic drugs. To get an appointment, you should consult a doctor - rheumatologist, oncologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist, immunologist.
Prevention of fluctuation in results
In order to prevent physiological fluctuations in test results, it is recommended to take measures aimed at the prevention of stressful conditions, as well as select physical activities, the level of which corresponds to the level of preparation of the body. In addition, it is necessary to adhere to certain recommendations that the doctor will report before the blood sampling procedure.
We considered that this is interferon status. An analysis with the determination of sensitivity to drugs is carried out in order to correctly select interferon preparations and immunomodulators.