Changes in serum proteins (albumin, immunoglobulins and acute phase proteins) in pulmonary tuberculosis during therapy

Abstract

Serum levels of three immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), albumin and six acute phase proteins (α1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, transferrin, α2-macroglobulin, complements C3 and C4) were measured by immunoelectrophoresis in 57 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis when they were first diagnosed, and followed at 1 month, 2 month and 4 month intervals during anti-tuberculosis treatment. These values were compared to those from 41 healthy controls. Significant increases were observed in the initial values of serum IgG, IgM, α1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin, while transferrin and α2-macroglobulin levels were significantly reduced. No changes were observed in the levels of serum albumin, IgA and complement C3. Levels of all measured proteins decreased with treatment. However, at 4 months, IgG and α1-antitrypsin were still significantly elevated when compared to control values, while the level of haptoglobin had decreased to a level significantly lower than that of the control value.