What does an elevated alpha-2-macroglobulin mean?

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is a major plasma protein in humans with various functions including ion transport, carrier protein, and the inhibition of proteinases. Elevated levels are seen in clinical conditions such as cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, severe burns and diabetes.

What does alpha-2-macroglobulin do?

Alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) and related proteins share the function of binding host or foreign peptides and particles, thereby serving as humoral defense barriers against pathogens in the plasma and tissues of vertebrates.

Which antibody is a Macroglobulin?

α-2-Macroglobulin Antibody recognizes endogenous levels of total α-2-Macroglobulin protein.

Is alpha-2-macroglobulin an anticoagulant?

Healthy newborns have a very low risk of thrombosis. It has been suggested that this is partly due to the anticoagulant effect of alpha-2-macroglobulin (a2-M).

In which disease state is alpha-2 macroglobulin increased?

Increased levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin are found in nephrotic syndrome when other lower molecular weight proteins are lost, and alpha-2-macroglobulin is retained because of its large size. In patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes, the levels are found to be elevated.

What does Alpha globulin do?

Alpha globulins are a group of globular proteins in plasma that are highly mobile in alkaline or electrically charged solutions. They inhibit certain blood proteases and show significant inhibitor activity.

What is a high beta 2 microglobulin?

High levels of B2M in cerebrospinal fluid can mean that cancer has spread to the brain and/or spinal cord.

Which immunoglobulin is known as mucosal or antiseptic paint?

The main function of IgA is to prevent the entry of potentially pathogenic substances into the body, by coating the epithelium with “antiseptic paint.”

Which of the following antibody is heat labile?

Each antibody subclass exhibits a distinct heat tolerance, and IgE is especially known to be heat-labile. IgE starts unfolding at a lower temperature compared to other antibodies, because of the low stability of its CH3 domain. Each immunoglobulin domain starts unfolding at different temperatures.

Why does Macroglobulin increase in nephrotic syndrome?

Disease. α2-Macroglobulin levels are increased when the serum albumin levels are low, which is most commonly seen in nephrotic syndrome, a condition wherein the kidneys start to leak out some of the smaller blood proteins. Because of its size, α2-macroglobulin is retained in the bloodstream.

What is Alpha 2 globulin in blood test?

Globulins are divided into alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins. Globulins are made in your liver by your immune system. They play an important role in liver function, blood clotting, and fighting infection. In general, alpha and gamma globulin protein levels increase when there is inflammation in the body.