Increased serum levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin in severe chronic airflow obstruction.
Serum levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin, the major proteinase inhibitor besides alpha-1-antitrypsin, were investigated in 20 patients with severe Chronic Airflow Obstruction (CAO), as compared to 20 age- and sex-matched controls. Alpha-2-macroglobulin was assessed by rocket immuno-electrophoresis, and alpha-1-antitrypsin by a laser-nephelometric method. All patients had spirometric values determined, including diffusing capacity. The reversibility test for isoprenalin was performed. Alpha-2-macroglobulin levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients with CAO, even when two patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency were omitted from the statistical evaluation. Except for these two patients, there was no difference in alpha-1-antitrypsin level between the patients and the control group. It is concluded that elevated levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin are associated with the development of severe CAO and emphysematous lesions, also in the absence of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
J Z
JZ
Pedersen
C
C
Franck
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012907:Smoking; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000097:blood; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000032:analysis*
D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins