Acute phase reactants are plasma proteins produced by the liver that increase in number during an acute phase of inflammation. An acute phase response is mediated by cytokines such as interleukins (IL-1, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). A prominent acute phase response may be observed in case of an infection, trauma, burns, tissue infarction, advanced cancer, or immune-mediated disease. However, a heat stroke or strenuous exercise can also evoke a moderate acute phase response.
Although the purpose of an acute phase response is to protect the host from damage, excessive or prolonged acute phase response can have detrimental effects such as a septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), macrophage activation syndrome, amyloidosis, and even malignancy. Source: Canadian Rheumatology Association Did you find this activity interesting?
