Plasma proteins: acute phase response: practice question

A Biochemistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Biochemistry · Plasma proteins: acute phase response

Sample item

A man with severe sepsis has interleukin-6 driven changes in hepatic protein synthesis. Which plasma protein is expected to fall?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Albumin

Interleukin-6 shifts hepatocyte synthesis toward positive acute phase proteins such as CRP, fibrinogen, ferritin, hepcidin and serum amyloid A. Albumin, transferrin and transthyretin are negative acute phase reactants and fall. Low albumin in sepsis also reflects capillary leak.

Option by option

  • A. C-reactive protein

    CRP is a positive acute phase protein and rises sharply.

  • B. Fibrinogen

    Fibrinogen rises and increases the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

  • C. Ferritin

    Ferritin is a positive acute phase protein and rises.

  • D. Albumin (correct)

    Correct. Albumin synthesis is reduced during the acute phase response.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is D, Albumin. Interleukin-6 shifts hepatocyte synthesis toward positive acute phase proteins such as CRP, fibrinogen, ferritin, hepcidin and serum amyloid A.

Why is "C-reactive protein" not the answer?

CRP is a positive acute phase protein and rises sharply.

Why is "Fibrinogen" not the answer?

Fibrinogen rises and increases the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Why is "Ferritin" not the answer?

Ferritin is a positive acute phase protein and rises.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Plasma proteins: acute phase response in Biochemistry. Albumin, transferrin and transthyretin are negative acute phase reactants and fall. Low albumin in sepsis also reflects capillary leak.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Plasma proteins: acute phase response?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.