Anti-tTG IgA is a specialized protein that is part of the immune system, particularly related to gut health. The “tTG” stands for tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme mostly found in your intestines, while “IgA” refers to Immunoglobulin A, a type of antibody that protects the body’s moist surfaces, like the gut and respiratory tract.
When your immune system detects something harmful, it creates Anti-tTG IgA to help fight it off. This antibody is often measured when investigating certain health conditions linked to immune responses and gut health. In particular, Anti-tTG IgA is commonly used to diagnose gluten-related disorders, such as Celiac Disease, and its associated skin condition, dermatitis herpetiformis.
This test is an essential diagnostic tool for identifying celiac disease and guiding dietary and treatment decisions to improve quality of life and health outcomes.
Abnormal Tissue Transglutaminase Ab, Iga
Abnormal (Low or Negative) tTG-IgA Levels - Causes
- No celiac disease: If tTG-IgA levels are within the normal range, it generally indicates the absence of celiac disease.
- IgA deficiency: Some individuals may have a selective IgA deficiency which causes insufficient IgA antibody production. In these cases, a tTG-IgG test, which measures the IgG form of the antibody, may be used instead.
- Gluten-free diet: If a person is already on a gluten-free diet, tTG-IgA levels may be low or undetectable, as the immune system no longer produces the antibody in response to gluten exposure.
Elevated tTG-IgA Levels - Causes
Elevated levels of tTG-IgA antibodies are most commonly associated with celiac disease, but they can also indicate other conditions.
- Celiac disease: The most common cause of elevated tTG-IgA levels. Gluten consumption triggers the immune system to produce these antibodies, leading to damage in the small intestine.
- Gluten sensitivity: In non-celiac gluten sensitivity, tTG-IgA antibodies may occasionally be elevated, but usually to a lesser extent than in celiac disease.
- Other autoimmune diseases: Elevated tTG-IgA levels can also occur in other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, autoimmune hepatitis, and thyroiditis, although this is less common.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may sometimes elevate tTG-IgA levels.
Elevated tTG-IgA Levels - Symptoms (Linked to Celiac Disease)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Chronic diarrhea or constipation, abdominal bloating and pain, nausea and vomiting
- Malabsorption-related symptoms: Weight loss, fatigue and weakness, anemia (due to iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiencies), osteoporosis (due to poor calcium absorption), delayed growth in children
- Dermatological symptoms: Dermatitis herpetiformis - an itchy, blistering skin rash that often appears on the elbows, knees, and buttocks.
- Neurological symptoms: Headaches, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, balance issues
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