Block 2 Pace Quiz Plasma Proteins

1. A decrease in which of the following proteins will result in deposits of copper in the lens of the eyes, liver and kidney?

Albumin

Ceruloplasmin

Prealbumin

Transferrin

Ceruloplasmin is a protein that plays a crucial role in copper metabolism. It helps transport copper throughout the body and facilitates its excretion. A decrease in ceruloplasmin levels would lead to a buildup of copper in various organs, including the lens of the eyes, liver, and kidney. This can result in the formation of copper deposits in these tissues, leading to potential damage and dysfunction.

Explanation

Ceruloplasmin is a protein that plays a crucial role in copper metabolism. It helps transport copper throughout the body and facilitates its excretion. A decrease in ceruloplasmin levels would lead to a buildup of copper in various organs, including the lens of the eyes, liver, and kidney. This can result in the formation of copper deposits in these tissues, leading to potential damage and dysfunction.

2. Plasma measurement of which of the following enzymes will give a good indication of acute pancreatitis?

Creatine kinase

Lactate dehydrogenase

Albumin

Amylase

Alpha 2-macroglobulin

Measurement of amylase in plasma is a good indication of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and released into the bloodstream when there is inflammation or damage to the pancreas. Therefore, elevated levels of amylase in the plasma suggest the presence of acute pancreatitis. Creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, and alpha 2-macroglobulin are not specific markers for pancreatitis and are not commonly used to diagnose this condition.

Explanation

Measurement of amylase in plasma is a good indication of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and released into the bloodstream when there is inflammation or damage to the pancreas. Therefore, elevated levels of amylase in the plasma suggest the presence of acute pancreatitis. Creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, and alpha 2-macroglobulin are not specific markers for pancreatitis and are not commonly used to diagnose this condition.

3. The following laboratory resuIts were obtained from the blood of a patient who presented to the emerency room complaininq of acute abdominal pain, This patient is most likely suffenng from: Test results Reference range

Albumin 38 rnq/dl,	35 -45 rnq/ dl
AST 30 U/L	5 -45 U/L
ALT 28 U/L	5 -40 U/L
ALP 64 U/L 50 -260 U/L Amylase 1900 U/L Less than 300 U/L

Liver cell damage due to excess alcohol intake

Bile duct obstruction

Acute pancreatitis

Organophosphate poisoning

Acute response to infection

The patient's laboratory results show elevated levels of amylase, which is an enzyme produced by the pancreas. This indicates that the patient is experiencing acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. The other test results, such as albumin, AST, ALT, and ALP, are within the normal reference range and do not suggest any other specific condition. Therefore, the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms is acute pancreatitis.

Explanation

The patient's laboratory results show elevated levels of amylase, which is an enzyme produced by the pancreas. This indicates that the patient is experiencing acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. The other test results, such as albumin, AST, ALT, and ALP, are within the normal reference range and do not suggest any other specific condition. Therefore, the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms is acute pancreatitis.

4. After a traffic accident, a 34-year-old lady was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. On the second day of admission a blood sample was taken and sent to the laboratory for biochemical analyses. He liver function and renal function test were normaI. The following findings wouId be consistent with: Albumin 30 giL (Reference 35 -45 giL) C-reactive protein 68mgjL (Reference < 10 mgjL) Plasma immunoglobulin levels normal

Acute nutritional deficiency

Chronic infection

Acute phase response to injury

Nephrotic syndrome

Liver cirrhosis

The patient's blood test results show a decrease in albumin levels and an increase in C-reactive protein levels. These findings are consistent with an acute phase response to injury. During an acute phase response, the body releases inflammatory mediators in response to injury or infection, leading to changes in certain blood markers. The decrease in albumin can be attributed to increased liver production of acute-phase proteins, while the increase in C-reactive protein reflects the presence of inflammation. The normal levels of plasma immunoglobulins suggest that there is no chronic infection or nephrotic syndrome present. Liver cirrhosis would typically present with abnormal liver function test results.

Explanation

The patient's blood test results show a decrease in albumin levels and an increase in C-reactive protein levels. These findings are consistent with an acute phase response to injury. During an acute phase response, the body releases inflammatory mediators in response to injury or infection, leading to changes in certain blood markers. The decrease in albumin can be attributed to increased liver production of acute-phase proteins, while the increase in C-reactive protein reflects the presence of inflammation. The normal levels of plasma immunoglobulins suggest that there is no chronic infection or nephrotic syndrome present. Liver cirrhosis would typically present with abnormal liver function test results.

5. A patient presents with blood in the urine. You wish to assess whether this patient has a hemoglobinuria or a myoglobinuria. A blood test for one of these proteins should help you to arrive at the correct conclusion.

Haptoglobin

Hemopexin

Transferrin

AIpha 1-antitryptsin

Hemoglobin

Haptoglobin is the correct answer because it is a protein that binds to free hemoglobin in the blood. If the patient has hemoglobinuria, there will be free hemoglobin in the urine, and the haptoglobin level in the blood will be decreased as it binds to the hemoglobin. On the other hand, if the patient has myoglobinuria, there will be free myoglobin in the urine, and the haptoglobin level in the blood will not be affected. Therefore, measuring the haptoglobin level can help determine whether the blood in the urine is due to hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria.

Explanation

Haptoglobin is the correct answer because it is a protein that binds to free hemoglobin in the blood. If the patient has hemoglobinuria, there will be free hemoglobin in the urine, and the haptoglobin level in the blood will be decreased as it binds to the hemoglobin. On the other hand, if the patient has myoglobinuria, there will be free myoglobin in the urine, and the haptoglobin level in the blood will not be affected. Therefore, measuring the haptoglobin level can help determine whether the blood in the urine is due to hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria.

6. Which of the following biomolecules is a serine protease that digests fibrin clots?

Factor XIII

Heparin

Streptokinase

Plasmin

Warfarin

Plasmin is a serine protease that digests fibrin clots. It is responsible for breaking down the fibrin meshwork that forms blood clots, allowing for clot dissolution and tissue repair. Plasmin is produced from its inactive precursor, plasminogen, which is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Once activated, plasmin acts by cleaving the fibrin strands in a clot, leading to its degradation. Therefore, Plasmin is the correct answer to the question.

Explanation

Plasmin is a serine protease that digests fibrin clots. It is responsible for breaking down the fibrin meshwork that forms blood clots, allowing for clot dissolution and tissue repair. Plasmin is produced from its inactive precursor, plasminogen, which is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Once activated, plasmin acts by cleaving the fibrin strands in a clot, leading to its degradation. Therefore, Plasmin is the correct answer to the question.

7. Which of the following enzymes would you expect to find in higher levels in the plasma of children than in aduIt plasma?

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)

Alkaline phosphatase

Lactate dehydrogenase

Acid phosphatase

Alanine transaminase

"it seems like most kids are on ACID these days"

Explanation

"it seems like most kids are on ACID these days"