Acute phase reactants are plasma proteins whose concentrations change markedly in inflammation. Which of the following rises substantially during the acute phase response and accounts in part for the elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate?
- A Albumin
- B Fibrinogen ✓
- C Transferrin
- D Prealbumin
Correct answer: B. Fibrinogen
Explanation
Fibrinogen is a positive acute phase protein produced by the liver under IL-6 drive; increased plasma fibrinogen promotes stacking of red cells (rouleaux formation), accelerating sedimentation and raising the ESR. Albumin, transferrin and prealbumin are classic negative acute phase reactants whose levels fall in inflammation, so they cannot explain a high ESR. CRP and serum amyloid A are the other commonly tested positive acute phase proteins.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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