Acute phase proteins

Definition

Acute phase proteins are a group of proteins whose levels increase or decrease in response to inflammation, infection, or injury. These proteins play a crucial role in the body's immune response, helping to modulate inflammation and tissue repair during periods of stress and injury, thus influencing overall metabolic changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acute phase proteins are primarily produced in the liver and their production is regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6).
2. The levels of acute phase proteins can serve as useful biomarkers to assess the severity and progression of various inflammatory conditions, including infections and autoimmune diseases.
3. Common acute phase proteins include C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, and alpha-1 antitrypsin.
4. The increase in acute phase proteins is a part of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that can occur following trauma, surgery, or severe infections.
5. Monitoring the levels of acute phase proteins can help guide nutritional therapy and management strategies in patients recovering from stress or injury.

Review Questions

• How do acute phase proteins influence the body's metabolic response to stress and injury?
  • Acute phase proteins influence the metabolic response by modulating inflammation and tissue repair processes during stress or injury. When inflammation occurs, these proteins are produced rapidly, leading to changes in metabolism that help prioritize energy for healing. This includes shifting energy away from non-essential functions towards those necessary for recovery, making these proteins crucial for effective recovery from stress or injury.
• Discuss the clinical significance of measuring acute phase proteins in patients with inflammatory conditions.
  • Measuring acute phase proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) provides valuable insights into the extent of inflammation and disease activity in patients with inflammatory conditions. Elevated levels indicate an ongoing inflammatory process which can aid healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions such as infections or autoimmune disorders. Monitoring these levels over time also helps assess treatment efficacy and recovery progress.
• Evaluate how acute phase proteins can impact nutritional therapy strategies in critically ill patients.
  • Acute phase proteins can significantly impact nutritional therapy strategies in critically ill patients by influencing nutrient requirements and absorption. Inflammation may lead to altered metabolism and increased needs for certain nutrients, making it essential for healthcare providers to tailor nutrition plans accordingly. Understanding the dynamics of acute phase proteins allows for better management of patient care, ensuring that nutrition supports recovery while addressing the increased catabolic state caused by injury or illness.

Related terms

C-reactive protein (CRP): A specific acute phase protein that is produced by the liver and serves as a marker for inflammation, commonly measured in clinical settings to assess disease activity.

Hepcidin: An acute phase protein involved in iron regulation, which increases in response to inflammation and helps to limit iron availability for pathogens.

Interleukins: A group of cytokines that play important roles in cell signaling during immune responses, influencing the production of acute phase proteins.