Harr Clinical Chemistry Practice Test

The phenomenon of "β-γ bridging" is characteristic of hepatic cirrhosis. This term refers to the separation of the β-globulin and γ-globulin fractions on serum protein electrophoresis, leading to an unusual pattern where these two fractions appear to be interconnected or "bridged" due to the presence of abnormal proteins. In hepatic cirrhosis, liver function is compromised, resulting in abnormal synthesis of proteins and, specifically, an increase in certain immunoglobulins. This alteration leads to this bridging effect observed during electrophoretic analysis.

In conditions like multiple myeloma, malignancy, and rheumatoid arthritis, protein profiles have different alterations that do not lead to this specific bridging phenomenon. Multiple myeloma, for example, is associated with an increase in monoclonal protein and a reduced overall albumin level, but it does not demonstrate β-γ bridging. Similarly, while malignant conditions can influence protein levels, they typically do not produce the same bridging pattern seen in hepatic cirrhosis. Rheumatoid arthritis may show elevated levels of acute phase proteins, yet it doesn't generate the distinct electrophoretic pattern of β-γ bridging either. Thus, the association of this phenomenon with hepatic cirrhosis is