Interpretive Handbook  Test 9270 : Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, Serum
Alpha-2-macroglobulin is a protease inhibitor and is 1 of the
largest plasma proteins. It transports hormones and enzymes,
exhibits effector and inhibitor functions in the development of
the lymphatic system, and inhibits components of the complement
system and hemostasis system.   Increased levels of
alpha-2-macroglobulin are found in nephrotic syndrome when other
lower molecular weight proteins are lost and
alpha-2-macroglobulin is retained because of its large size. In
patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes, the levels are found
to be elevated.   Patients with acute pancreatitis exhibit low
serum concentrations which correlate with the severity of the
disease. In hyperfibrinolytic states, after major surgery, in
septicemia and severe hepatic insufficiency, the measured levels
of alpha-2-macroglobulin are often low. Acute myocardial
infarction patients with low alpha-2-macroglobulin have been
reported to have a significantly better progno