Which serum protein electrophoresis result indicates an acute inflammatory process?

Which serum protein electrophoresis result indicates an acute inflammatory process?

• A. Decreased albumin, Increased α-1, Increased α2, Normal β, Normal γ
• B. Normal albumin, Increased α-1, Normal α2, Increased β, Increased γ
• C. Decreased albumin, Increased α-1, Increased β, Normal α2, Normal γ
• D. Increased albumin, Increased α-1, Increased α2, Increased β, Increased γ

Answer: (C)

The correct answer indicates an acute inflammatory process through the alterations in serum protein levels observed during inflammation. In particular, during an acute inflammatory response, the liver increases the production of certain proteins, known as acute-phase reactants. This includes alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulins, which typically increase in concentration. In the correct choice, the observation of decreased albumin is significant, as albumin levels often drop in inflammation due to changes in hepatic protein synthesis and the shift of proteins in the vascular system. The increase in alpha-1 and beta globulins indicates heightened activity in the inflammatory response, reflecting an immune response as the body attempts to fight infection or deal with inflammation. Furthermore, the presence of normal levels of alpha-2 and gamma globulins suggests that while there is an ongoing acute inflammation, the immune response is not overwhelmingly severe at this time, allowing for the immune system to function effectively without an excessive production of gamma globulins. This specific combination of results in serum protein electrophoresis serves as a hallmark of acute inflammation, highlighting the dynamic response of the immune system and the alterations in protein production that occur during such processes.

The correct answer indicates an acute inflammatory process through the alterations in serum protein levels observed during inflammation. In particular, during an acute inflammatory response, the liver increases the production of certain proteins, known as acute-phase reactants. This includes alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulins, which typically increase in concentration.

In the correct choice, the observation of decreased albumin is significant, as albumin levels often drop in inflammation due to changes in hepatic protein synthesis and the shift of proteins in the vascular system. The increase in alpha-1 and beta globulins indicates heightened activity in the inflammatory response, reflecting an immune response as the body attempts to fight infection or deal with inflammation.

Furthermore, the presence of normal levels of alpha-2 and gamma globulins suggests that while there is an ongoing acute inflammation, the immune response is not overwhelmingly severe at this time, allowing for the immune system to function effectively without an excessive production of gamma globulins.

This specific combination of results in serum protein electrophoresis serves as a hallmark of acute inflammation, highlighting the dynamic response of the immune system and the alterations in protein production that occur during such processes.