Changes in serum proteins (albumin, immunoglobulins and acute phase proteins) in pulmonary tuberculosis during therapy.
Serum levels of three immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA & IgM), albumin and six acute phase proteins (alpha 1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, transferrin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, complements C3 & C4) were measured by immunoelectrophoresis in 57 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis when they were first diagnosed, and followed at 1 month, 2 month and 4 month intervals during anti-tuberculosis treatment. These values were compared to those from 41 healthy controls. Significant increases were observed in the initial values of serum IgG, IgM, alpha 1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin, while transferrin and alpha 2-macroglobulin levels were significantly reduced. No changes were observed in the levels of serum albumin, IgA and complement C3. Levels of all measured proteins decreased with treatment. However, at 4 months, IgG and alpha 1-antitrypsin were still significantly elevated when compared to control values, while the level of haptoglobin had decreased to a level significantly lower than that of the control value.
Wong
C T
CT
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
Saha
N
N
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D012709:Serum Albumin