Anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA)

Anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target and attack the smooth muscles found in various organs, particularly the liver. Their presence often indicates autoimmune liver conditions, such as autoimmune hepatitis, where the body's immune system attacks its own liver tissue. Detecting ASMA helps doctors diagnose these conditions and differentiate them from other liver diseases. While their exact role in disease progression is still being studied, the presence of ASMA signals an immune response involving the body's own muscles, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.