Which of the following proteins is a negative acute phase reactant?

Transferrin is characterized as a negative acute phase reactant. During an acute phase response, which occurs in response to inflammation, trauma, or infection, the body adjusts the levels of various proteins in the blood. Positive acute phase reactants, such as haptoglobin, hemopexin, and ceruloplasmin, increase in concentration, while negative acute phase reactants decrease.

Transferrin functions in the transport of iron throughout the bloodstream and plays a critical role in iron metabolism. When an acute phase response is initiated, the body prioritizes resources for fighting inflammation or infection, leading to a diminished production of transferrin. This reduction reflects the body's attempt to limit iron availability, as certain pathogens utilize iron for growth and proliferation. Understanding transferrin as a negative acute phase reactant helps elucidate its role in the dynamics of inflammation and iron regulation.

Recognizing the distinction between positive and negative acute phase reactants is important for interpreting laboratory results in clinical chemistry, guiding healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing inflammatory conditions.