 Your source for integrative health and wellness.
|
FeelGoodNow.com is currently in early beta. Our site will be growing and changing frequently. We welcome your 
Acute Phase Proteins
Acute phase proteins are molecules in the blood that either increase or decrease in response to tissue injury including trauma, heart attack, infections, burns, chronic inflammation (like rheumatoid arthritis), and cancer.When the body is injured, immune cells flood to the area to help the body heal and/or fight off harmful substances (such as bacteria or viruses). This increase in immune cells leads to inflammation in the body.
Acute phase proteins help the body respond to tissue injury. For instance, some proteins may help cells destroy harmful substances, such as bacteria, while others may help the blood clot and prevent blood loss. When acute phase proteins respond to tissue injury, this is called an acute phase reaction.
It remains unknown exactly how the acute phase proteins are stimulated. However, research suggests that the chemicals released during injury may activate the proteins.
Among the most common acute phase proteins are ceruloplasmin, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, ferritin, haptoglobin, serum albumins, serums amyloid A, and transferrin. These proteins are continually produced in the liver.
Abnormal levels of acute phase proteins in the blood may indicate tissue injury or infection. They may also indicate long-term immune system disorders. For instance, blood tests that measure the levels of acute phase proteins are often used to diagnose and monitor conditions like inflammatory disorders (such as arthritis), cancer, and autoimmune disorders (such as lupus). Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks body cells because they are perceived as harmful invaders.
Related Terms
Amyloid, anemia, autoimmune disorders, autoimmunity, blood test, C-reactive protein, C-reactive protein test, cancer, ceruloplasmin, chronic inflammation, CRP, CRP test, cytokines, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR, ferritin, ferroxidase, fibrinogen, fibrinogen test, haptoglobin, heart attack, hemoglobin, immune, immune defense system, immune reaction, immune response, immune system, inflammation, inflammatory disease, inflammatory disorder, iron, iron deficiency, proteins, red blood cell, serum albumins, serums amyloid A, TIBC test, tissue damage, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin test, transferrin, trauma, tumor necrosis factors.
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intendedfor informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
Natural Standard's methodology ,
editorial board , and grading scales.
|
A Better Health Solution Acupuncture 614 Wymore Rd Winter Park FL 32789 6784372 |
Search thousands of qualified integrative health professionals.