Serum amyloid A

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is an Acute phase protein predominantly secreted by the Liver in response to Inflammation. It is a major precursor of Amyloid A protein, which is involved in the pathogenesis of Amyloidosis.

Pronunciation

Serum Amyloid A is pronounced as "Ser-uhm Am-uh-loid A".

Etymology

The term "Serum Amyloid A" is derived from its presence in the serum and its role in the formation of amyloid proteins. The "A" denotes its specific type within the amyloid protein family.

Function

Serum Amyloid A plays a crucial role in the immune response to inflammation and infection. It is involved in the transport of Cholesterol to the liver for secretion into the bile, the recruitment of immune cells to inflammatory sites, and the induction of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix.

Related Terms

• Acute phase protein
• Liver
• Inflammation
• Amyloidosis
• Cholesterol
• Amyloid A protein

See Also

• C-reactive protein
• Fibrinogen
• Haptoglobin
• Ceruloplasmin

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