Prevalence and correlates of antinuclear antibodies in a Japanese community sample: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are among the most commonly used tests in autoimmune disease but are frequently positive in healthy individuals, with uncertain significance. Reported prevalence ranges from under 6% to over 45% across populations, and its determinants in healthy individuals are poorly defined.

Objective

We examined ANA prevalence and its demographic and lifestyle correlates in a community sample in Japan.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 1,017 community residents in a single prefecture in Japan. Age and sex were recorded for all participants; smoking status and allergic history were available for a subset (n = 467). ANA were measured by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells; a 1:40 titer defined positivity. Associations were assess

SUBMITTER: Tabassum T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13627905 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature