The immune system is a complex and coordinated network of diverse cellular and molecular components that collaborate to defend the body against harmful antigens, such as viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances.
One crucial aspect of the immune response is the production of acute-phase reactants, which are protein molecules that are synthesized and released by the liver in response to infection, inflammation, and injury.
Acute-phase reactants are divided into two categories: positive and negative reactants. Positive reactants increase in response to infection and inflammation, while negative reactants decrease in response to infection and inflammation. Some examples of positive acute-phase reactants include C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A (SAA), while examples of negative acute-phase reactants include albumin and transferrin.
Positive Phase Reactants
CRP is one of the most commonly measured acute-phase reactants in clinical practice. Produced by the liver, CRP levels increase quickly in response to inflammation or infection, making it an effective marker for monitoring disease activity. Elevated CRP levels have been associated with a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and infection.
Fibrinogen is another acute-phase reactant that is produced by the liver. It is a crucial player in blood clotting and the healing of wounds. Research has shown that having elevated levels of fibrinogen leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and venous thromboembolism.
SAA is another acute-phase reactant that is produced in response to inflammation. Like CRP and fibrinogen, SAA levels increase rapidly in response to inflammation or injury. [1] High levels of SAA can be found in a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.
Reducing Positive Acute-Phase Reactants
Understanding how to reduce positive acute-phase reactants can lead to improved health outcomes.
The first step in reducing positive acute-phase reactants is to identify and address any underlying causes. These can include chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders. Working with a range of healthcare professionals can help individuals determine the cause of their elevated protein levels and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Diet plays an essential role in reducing positive acute-phase reactants. Increasing fiber intake by including more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in the diet can help reduce inflammation and improve digestive health. Eating lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, or nuts can also help lower protein levels. Reducing the consumption of processed foods and avoiding excessive amounts of added sugars and salt may also be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body and improving overall health.
Regular exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for overall health, including reduced inflammation levels. Moreover, engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce stress levels that may contribute to increases in positive acute-phase reactants. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight may help balance hormone levels that in turn can impact inflammatory processes in the body.
Finally, getting adequate restful sleep is important for reducing inflammation levels as well as improving overall metabolic health. Sleep deprivation or poor quality sleep have been linked to increases in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) which can affect positive acute-phase reactant concentrations as well as other biomarkers associated with chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes mellitus type 2(DM2). Aiming for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night is recommended for optimal health outcomes.
By considering some simple lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes combined with regular physical activity and sufficient quality sleep one can reduce their risk factors for various chronic diseases while simultaneously achieving a healthier balance between positive and negative acute-phase reactants resulting from inflammatory afflictions such as infection or systemic illness
Negative Phase Reactants
Negative acute-phase reactants are protein molecules that are synthesized and released by the liver and decrease in response to inflammation, infection, and injury. The major negative acute-phase reactants include:
Albumin
Transferrin
Retinol-binding protein (RBP)
Prealbumin or transthyretin (TTR)
Cholesterol
Apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1)
Apolipoprotein B (apoB)
Albumin is the most commonly measured negative acute-phase reactant in clinical practice. It is a key protein involved in maintaining colloidal osmotic pressure and transporting various substances, including hormones, drugs, and fatty acids. Low levels of albumin may indicate underlying health conditions, such as malnutrition or liver disease.
Transferrin is another negative acute-phase reactant that is involved in transporting iron throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in immune system function and wound healing.
RBP, prealbumin or TTR, cholesterol, apoA1, and apoB are other negative acute-phase reactants that have been studied in various clinical settings. Low levels of these proteins may be indicative of underlying inflammation or malnutrition.
Measuring levels of negative acute-phase reactants can provide valuable information about an individual’s nutritional status, overall health, and response to treatment for various conditions.
Foods That Encourage Production of Negative Phase Reactants
Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, and fish
Low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and cheese
Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread
Fruits, such as apples, berries, and citrus fruits
Vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots
Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts
Supplements That Encourage Production of Negative Phase Reactants
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil, may help increase levels of negative acute-phase reactants, such as albumin and transferrin.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help promote gut health and reduce inflammation in the body, which may help increase levels of negative acute-phase reactants.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in immune system function. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), while supplementation with vitamin D has been shown to decrease inflammation and increase levels of negative acute-phase reactants such as albumin and transferrin.
It’s important to note that the best way to encourage the production of negative acute-phase reactants is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Dietary supplements can be helpful, but they should not replace a healthy diet or be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Conclusion
By supporting the liver’s ability to detoxify and maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, it is possible to improve vitamin D levels, reduce inflammation, and promote the production of negative acute-phase reactants. In addition, regular exercise can help support overall immune system function and reduce inflammation. By following these guidelines, it is possible to restore proper liver function and improve overall health.