Immunoglobulins (Igs) are proteins contributing to immunity mechanisms. Immunity is specific to the lymphoid system, which consists of organs (spleen, thymus, bone marrow) and cells (lymphocytes). Immunoglobulins are secreted by B lymphocytes in the blood, and in this way are exported for the specific functions of humoral immunity. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the main Ig … Continued
In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunoglobulins are normally present in small amounts. Raised IgG levels in cerebrospinal fluid can be observed in central nervous system (CNS) infections, an inflammatory syndrome, or in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. A raised IgG concentration in cerebrospinal fluid may be due to hemato-meningeal damage and/or intrathecal IgG synthesis. Parallel … Continued
Immunoglobulins (Igs) are proteins contributing to immunity mechanisms. Immunity is specific to the lymphoid system, which consists of organs (spleen, thymus, bone marrow) and cells (lymphocytes). Immunoglobulins are secreted by B lymphocytes in the blood, and in this way are exported for the specific functions of humoral immunity. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) represents approximately 10-15% of … Continued
HDL is a high-density lipoprotein, whose role is to carry cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver where it is metabolised into bile salts and excreted into the intestine. The cardiovascular risk is inversely proportional to the blood concentration of HDL cholesterol.
Haptoglobin is an alpha2-glycoprotein synthesised by the liver parenchyma. Its role is to irreversibly bind free haemoglobin in the blood, in order to preserve iron and prevent any potential damage to renal tubules which may occur further to the excretion of haemoglobin. Haptoglobin also has a role in controlling the local inflammation process. The haptoglobin-haemoglobin … Continued
The orosomucoïd was one of the first glycoproteins to be isolated in human plasma. It contains a large number of carbohydrate moieties, giving it a very negative charge and high solubility in water. Many biological functions have been proposed for the orosomucoïd, but its true physiological role still remains uncertain today. The orosomucoïd is able … Continued
The alpha1-glycoprotein acid was one of the first glycoproteins to be isolated in human plasma. It contains a large number of carbohydrate moieties, giving it a very negative charge and high solubility in water. Many biological functions have been proposed for the alpha-1-glycoprotein acid, but its true physiological role still remains uncertain today. The alpha1-glycoprotein … Continued
Ferritin is a protein synthesised by the liver, and is the main element of the iron reserve. In fact, this protein includes a core of iron (II), which can be used for the formation of haemoglobin, for example. Despite the low serum ferritin concentration, this latter reflects the cellular concentration of ferritin quite accurately. A … Continued
Fibrinogen is a plasma protein precursor of fibrin, which polymerizes and becomes the main component of the fibrin clot. Fibrinogen is a protein of the inflammatory phase; its concentration increases during inflammation, infection, pregnancy and after trauma. A high level of fibrinogen is a significant risk factor for developing coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases. A … Continued
Cystatin C is a low molecular weight protein (13.3 kD) continuously produced by all nucleated cells. Its production is not affected by gender, muscle mass or the patient’s diet. The low molecular weight and the net positive charge of cystatin C allow it to be freely filtered by the renal glomerulus. It is mostly reabsorbed … Continued
