Description
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin is a large plasma protein found in the blood. It is mainly produced by the liver and also locally synthesized by macrophages, fibroblasts, and adrenocortical cells.Alpha 2 macroglobulin acts as an antiprotease and is able to inactivate an enormous variety of proteinases. It functions as an inhibitor of fibrinolysis by inhibiting plasmin and kallikrein. It functions as an inhibitor of coagulation by inhibiting thrombin.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin levels will be increased when the serum albumin levels are low,can be seen commonly in nephrotic syndrome, a condition wherein the kidneys start to leak out some of the blood proteins. Because of the size alpha-2-macroglobulin is retained in the bloodstream. Increased production of all proteins means alpha-2-macroglobulin concentration increases. This increase can adversely effect the health.
A common polymorphism variant of alpha-2-macroglobulin leads to increased risk of Alzheimer`s disease.
Overnight fasting is preferred for this testing..
Methodology for testing is Fixed Rate Time Nephelometry.
