Proteins whose levels are decreased during inflammation are all except:
**Core Concept**
During inflammation, the body's acute phase response is triggered, leading to changes in the levels of various proteins in the blood. Some proteins are decreased, while others are increased. This response is a complex interplay of cytokines, hormones, and other signaling molecules that ultimately affect the levels of proteins involved in different physiological processes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Mannose binding protein (MBP) is an acute phase protein that actually increases during inflammation, not decreases. It plays a crucial role in the activation of the complement system and the recognition of pathogens. In contrast, albumin, transferrin, and antithrombin are classic acute phase proteins that decrease in concentration during inflammation. Albumin is a major plasma protein involved in maintaining osmotic pressure, while transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood. Antithrombin is a protein that inhibits the coagulation cascade.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Albumin is a classic acute phase protein that decreases in concentration during inflammation due to decreased synthesis and increased degradation. This leads to hypoalbuminemia, which can contribute to edema and other complications.
**Option B:** Transferrin also decreases during inflammation, as its synthesis is downregulated in response to cytokines and other signaling molecules.
**Option C:** Antithrombin levels decrease during inflammation due to decreased synthesis and increased proteolytic degradation, which can lead to an increased risk of thrombosis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Acute phase proteins are a critical part of the body's response to inflammation, and changes in their levels can have significant clinical implications. Understanding the changes in acute phase proteins can help clinicians diagnose and manage conditions such as sepsis, trauma, and autoimmune diseases.
**β Correct Answer: D. Mannose binding protein**