alpha-2-Macroglobulin

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Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) is a large plasma protein found in blood. It's a protease inhibitor that blocks proteases associated with chronic inflammation, cartilage destruction, and cartilage loss. A2M also has other functions, including:

• Transporting hormones and enzymes
• Inhibiting components of the complement system and hemostasis system
• Ion transport
• Carrier protein
• Inhibiting proteinases

A2M is produced by the liver, and also locally synthesized by macrophages, fibroblasts, and adrenocortical cells. In humans, it is encoded by the A2M gene.

Elevated levels of A2M are seen in clinical conditions such as: Cirrhosis, Nephrotic syndrome, Severe burns, Diabetes.

In healthy young-adult individuals, plasma levels of A2M are 178.8 ± 8.5 mg/ml