Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are a group of proteins synthesized by the liver and other tissues in response to inflammation or infection. They are part of the body’s non-specific immune response and help to regulate the inflammatory response.
APPs are divided into two groups: positive acute-phase proteins and negative acute-phase proteins. Positive acute-phase proteins, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen, increase in concentration during inflammatory responses. Negative acute-phase proteins, such as albumin and transferrin, decrease in concentration during these responses.
Measurement of APPs can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as other conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. CRP is one of the most commonly measured APPs and is often used as a marker of systemic inflammation.
Overall, acute-phase proteins play an important role in the body’s immune response and their measurement can provide valuable information in the diagnosis and management of a variety of medical conditions.
