Protein Markers

[Dark Horse]

Hey guys, what do we need to know about protein markers? I have heard terms such as "brake" and "leak" can someone explin these to me?

Thanks =P

[Edmund]

A summary which might help...

Proteins as Markers for Disease

• The body’s natural defences produce proteins called antibodies, which are specific to a particular disease, in the fight against infection caused by bacteria or viruses
• Cells in diseased or damaged body organs may release specific proteins unique to that organ
• Protein markers can be identified using analytical techniques such as mass spectroscopy, infra and NMR spectroscopy, advanced chromatographic techniques and gel electrophoresis
• A raised level of these marker proteins can be used to:
     o Identify a disease at early stages of development
     o Monitor the progress of the disease
     o Measure the effectiveness of
     o Test for recurrence of the disease

Examples

Proteins as Markers for Disease – Heart Disease

• When the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked by a blot, the heart muscle cells are starved of oxygen and nutrients are damaged and may die
• The damaged cells release various enzymes into the blood stream
• The levels of these enzymes increase within a few hours after a heart attack and return to normal
  after several days
• A rise in the blood level of one cardiac enzyme does not necessarily indicate that occurred
• A unique enzyme only released by damaged heart muscle, Troponin I, can be used as specific markers for heart attack and to determine the extent of damage to heart muscle
• Heart attacks are diagnosed from sources such as electric cardiac enzymes in the blood

Proteins as Markers for Disease – Prostate Cancer

• Cells in the prostate produce the protein PSA (prostate specific antigen) and a small amount is always present in the blood
• Cancerous growths in the prostate forces more PSA into the blood and it can be used as a marker for possible prostate cancer
• High levels of PSA in the blood are a concern and will lead to follow a biopsy to determine whether cancer is present