paraproteiinin

Paraproteiini, also known as a monoclonal protein or M-protein, is an abnormal protein produced by a single clone of plasma cells or lymphocytes. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that normally produces antibodies, which are essential for the immune system. In certain conditions, one of these plasma cells begins to multiply uncontrollably, leading to the production of a large amount of identical antibodies. These identical antibodies are what constitute the paraprotein.

Paraproteins are typically detected in the blood or urine. Their presence is often an indicator of an underlying medical condition, most commonly a plasma cell disorder. These disorders can range from benign conditions like monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), where the paraprotein is present but causes no symptoms, to more serious diseases such as multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, and amyloidosis.

The detection and quantification of paraproteins are crucial diagnostic tools in hematology and oncology. They help in diagnosing, monitoring the progression of, and assessing the effectiveness of treatment for various hematological malignancies. The specific type of paraprotein (e.g., IgG, IgA, IgM, kappa or lambda light chains) can provide valuable information about the underlying disease. Regular monitoring of paraprotein levels can indicate whether the disease is responding to therapy or relapsing.