Autoimmunity of Polyglandular Failure
U of Colorado Addison’s study expands
A study designed to improve understanding of Addison’s and type 1 diabetes is
now enrolling families from across the nation, and you don’t have to travel in
order to help out—you can have your blood drawn locally, and mail the tubes
back to Colorado.
“We are trying to identify individuals and their families with Addison’s Disease or
the potential for developing it.” said Dr. Sharon Vanyi, Research Study Coordinator
at the Barbra Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes at the University of
Colorado. “In order to do this, we are collecting blood samples from families with
one or more individuals with Addison’s Disease.
Dr. Vanyi explained that they will analyze the blood and look for antibodies directed
against 21-Hydroxylase. “21-Hydroxylase is an adrenal enzyme (protein)
which appears to be involved in the immune response in Addison’s Disease. 14
out of 15 patients with Addison’s have been found to have this antibody. It has
also been found in individuals who do not yet have Addison’s.”In addition, they will also test the blood for antibodies to other proteins found in
Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, which are two other related autoimmune
diseases.
Researchers will also try to identify the genes that cause Addison’s Disease.
The human lymphocyte antigens, or HLA genes, are linked to a number of autoimmune diseases. These genes play many roles in our immune system, including defining our own cells from foreign ones. They are also involved in our normal immune response to things such as viruses and bacteria.
“By studying the blood of both affected and unaffected family members and looking
for differences between them, we will try to confirm the observation that two
HLA genes, called DR3 and DR4, are linked to Addison’s Disease,” Dr. Vanyi
explained. “Eventually we hope to identify new genes which are contributing to
the development of Addison’s Disease.”
Participating is easy—simply contact Dr. Sharon Vanyi at 303-724-6774, or via
email at Sharon.Vanyi@uchsc.edu. She’ll answer any questions you have
about the study, and will send you the consent forms. When you return them,
she’ll send the vacuum tubes for you to have the blood drawn, along with a prepaid
mailer for returning them. It’s simple, it’s free, and may help answer a lot of
important questions about Addison’s Disease!


The Central Ohio Addison’s Support Team
does not engage in the practice of medicine.
COAST is not a medical authority,
nor does it claim to have medical knowledge.
The content of this newsletter is intended
as information and sharing of experience
only, and is not in any way a substitute
for proper and expert medical care.
In all cases, COAST recommends that you
consult your own doctor regarding any
course of treatment or medication.

COAST News
Heather Nagy, Editor
97 Lawrin Court, SW
Pataskala, OH 43062
hnagy@columbus.rr.com

This article appeared in the Central Ohio Addison's Support Team Newsletter and we wish to thank them for bringing this to our attention. Their next meeting will be Saturday, October 14 @ 1:00 PM. Contact them at the above location for more information.

Dr. Sharon Vanyi is no longer involved with this study but it does continue. Contact the Barbra Davis Center for current coordinator.