What would likely cause an increase in acute phase proteins, including α1-antitrypsin?

Acute phase proteins, such as α1-antitrypsin, are typically produced by the liver in response to inflammatory stimuli. When acute inflammation occurs, various cytokines, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6), play a key role in stimulating the liver to increase the synthesis and release of these proteins into the bloodstream. This response is part of the body's innate immune reaction to injury or infection, aiming to contain damage, support tissue repair, and combat pathogens. Therefore, the occurrence of acute inflammation is a significant driver behind the increase in these proteins, reflecting the body’s physiological response to stress and tissue injury.

Moderate exercise, while beneficial for health and can provoke some inflammatory markers, does not typically lead to a significant acute phase response. Chronic infections may lead to a different pattern of acute phase protein response compared to acute inflammation, often resulting in sustained but not immediate increases in specific proteins over time. Psychological stress may also influence the immune system, but it does not directly stimulate the acute phase proteins in the same way that acute inflammation does. Thus, acute inflammation stands out as the most direct cause of increased production of acute phase proteins like α1-antitrypsin.