Alpha-2-Macroglobulin

• OMIM: 103950
• UniProt: P01023

Alpha -2- globulins (actually alpha-2 - macroglobulins ) are plasma proteins in vertebrates, which are primarily synthesized by macrophages and as protease inhibitors have a broad spectrum of inhibitory properties. Is acute-phase proteins which are part of the innate immune response. They are members of the same family, which also includes the complement components C3, C4, C5, and the birds include Ovostatin.

Laboratory value

The standard value for this parameter is in men and women from 7.2 to 11.3 % and from 4.8 to 9.4 g / l It is possible by electrophoresis ( molecular weight 750,000 daltons) to investigate to isolate this fraction (alpha -2- fraction) and on elevated or depressed values ​​.

Increased values ​​are found for example in inflammation, malignancy, myocardial infarction, sepsis, nephrotic syndrome, post- operative, post- traumatic, disseminated intravascular coagulation ( DIC ) or obstructive jaundice.

Decreased levels are found in chronic active hepatitis, a Haptoglobinmangel, acute pancreatitis, or Wilson's disease.