Description
Serum Amyloid A is an acute phase protein with molecular weight of approx. 12 kDa which is synthesized in the liver. A rapid rise in Serum Amyloid A levels is observed during tissue damage and inflammation, and a role in cell recruitment and cholesterol transport at local tissues is theorized. • High levels of SAA is observed in patients with acute and chronic inflammation. Fragments of the SAA molecule are cleaved and deposited in tissues as fibrils (secondary amyloidosis) and are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, sclerosis, tuberculosis, and osteomyelitis. Levels of SAA may also be significant factors in conditions such as AIDS, cystic fibrosis, renal allograft rejection, myocardial infarction, urinary tract infections, unstable angina, and others