Inflammation and Smoking Effects

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of lung inflammation mentioned?

Infection

Genetic factors

Air pollution

Smoking (correct)

What type of inflammation is induced by smoking?

Chronic inflammation (correct)

Acute inflammation

Localized inflammation

Systemic inflammation

What cells are continuously present due to smoking-induced inflammation?

Lymphocytes

Neutrophils

Macrophages (correct)

Eosinophils

What substance's production is increased as a result of chronic inflammation from smoking?

Elastase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a consequence of chronic inflammation induced by smoking?

Increased T-cell activation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of alpha1-antitrypsin in the body?

To inhibit elastase Signup and view all the answers

What role does elastase play during inflammation?

It breaks down elastic fibers Signup and view all the answers

Why is the inhibition of elastase by alpha1-antitrypsin crucial during inflammation?

To allow immune cells access to infection sites Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type produces elastase in response to inflammation?

Macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen if alpha1-antitrypsin is deficient in the body?

Increased breakdown of elastic fibers Signup and view all the answers

What happens to methionine-358 in alpha1-antitrypsin when exposed to smoking?

It becomes methionine-sulfoxide Signup and view all the answers

What type of amino acid is methionine?

Nonpolar amino acid Signup and view all the answers

Under which conditions can methionine be oxidized to methionine-sulfoxide?

Harsh conditions Signup and view all the answers

What residue is specifically oxidized by smoking in alpha1-antitrypsin?

Methionine-358 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is false regarding methionine-358 and smoking?

Smoking does not affect methionine-358 Signup and view all the answers

What role does alpha1-antitrypsin play in the body?

It regulates the activity of elastase. Signup and view all the answers

Under which conditions does the concentration of alpha1-antitrypsin increase?

In cases of inflammation, cancer, or trauma. Signup and view all the answers

What can excessive activity of elastase lead to in the absence of alpha1-antitrypsin regulation?

Increased tissue damage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding alpha1-antitrypsin is true?

It is classified as an acute-phase protein. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of low levels of alpha1-antitrypsin?

Decreased levels of inflammatory factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of Hp when it is not bound to hemoglobin?

5 days Signup and view all the answers

How does the half-life of Hp change when it binds to hemoglobin?

It decreases to 90 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between Hp and hemoglobin?

The half-life of Hp decreases when it binds to hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of Hp after it binds to hemoglobin?

90 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible implication of Hp's shorter half-life when bound to hemoglobin?

It could reduce the duration of Hp's effects in the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of copper accumulation in Wilson's disease?

Low or defective ceruloplasmin levels Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with Wilson's disease due to excess copper accumulation?

Copper-like skin discoloration Signup and view all the answers

What type of disorder is Wilson's disease classified as?

Genetic liver disorder Signup and view all the answers

What role does ceruloplasmin play in the body that is affected by Wilson's disease?

Copper transport Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of untreated Wilson's disease?

Neurological disorders Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biochemistry Study Notes

Prealbumin (Transthyretin):
- Not an immature form of albumin, but a different protein.
- Also known as transthyretin.
- Transports thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
- Migrates faster than albumin during electrophoresis.
- Small glycoprotein.
- Molecular weight of 62 kDa.
- Rich in tryptophan, with 0.5% carbohydrates.
- Low blood level (0.25g/L).
- Short half-life (2 days).
- Useful for diagnosing diseases related to protein nutrition or liver function, but less reliable due to low blood concentration.

Globulins

Alpha-1 Globulins:
- Alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT):
  - Neutralizes trypsin and trypsin-like enzymes, which break down proteins.
  - Also called Alpha1-Antiproteinase, inhibiting a wide range of proteases.
  - Molecular weight of 53 kDa.
  - Makes up 90% of alpha-1 globulin fraction in serum.
  - Polymorphic with over 75 forms, MM is the most common.
  - Genetic deficiency (ZZ genotype): severe deficiency, 10% reduction in A1AT activity, high risk of emphysema.
  - SZ genotype also associated with deficiency, with reduced or defective A1AT activity when no M copy is present.
  - Role in elastase regulation: inhibits elastase, an enzyme produced by macrophages during inflammation. Inhibits elastase from breaking down tissue.
  - Oxidation of Alpha1-Antitrypsin: Smoking can oxidize methionine-358, preventing binding and hindering elastase inhibition.
- Other alpha-1 globulins:
  - alpha1-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin, alpha-1-fetoprotein, haptoglobin, a1-acid glycoprotein, retinol binding protein.
Alpha-2 Globulins:
- Haptoglobin (HP):
  - Acute phase protein.
  - Molecular weight of 90 kDa, a tetramer with 3 phenotypes (Hp1-1, Hp2-1, Hp2-2).
  - Binds to free hemoglobin to prevent loss in urine, helping iron recycling.
  - Half-life is 5 days, becomes shorter(90 minutes) when bound to hemoglobin.
  - Crucial in iron metabolism and preventing iron loss in the urine.
Beta Globulins:
- Ceruloplasmin:
  - 160 kDa copper-containing glycoprotein.
  - Regulates copper levels in the circulation.
  - 90% of blood copper is bound to ceruloplasmin, with albumin transporting the remainder.
  - Crucial in tissue copper regulation.
  - Low levels can lead to Wilson's disease.
Gamma Globulins:
- C-reactive protein (CRP):
  - Acute phase protein, works against C fraction of microorganisms, and helps in defense against bacteria and foreign substances.
  - High levels can indicate inflammation or diseases such as acute rheumatic fever, bacterial infection, or gout.
  - Good monitoring marker with levels peaking after 48 hours.

Diseases and Liver Function

Diseases: Renal failure impacts protein levels in circulation. Most plasma proteins are made in the liver, except for gamma globulins. Low liver function reduces protein synthesis. Elevated gamma globulin suggests cancer (myeloma).

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Description

This quiz explores the intricate relationship between smoking and lung inflammation. It covers topics like the causes of lung inflammation, the role of specific proteins like alpha1-antitrypsin, and the effects of chronic smoking on the respiratory system. Test your knowledge on how smoking alters biochemical pathways and immune responses.