Serum amyloid A

Serum amyloid A refers to a group of proteins belonging to the acute phase reactants. These are proteins of the apoprotein family. The functions of SAA are as follows:
 * restriction of cholesterol transport to the liver,
 * chemotaxis,
 * induction of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes..

SAA is involved in the development of a number of pathologies:
 * long-term elevated SAA levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis,
 * Long-term overproduction of SAA can lead to secondary amyloidosis.

Related articles

 * Amyloidosis
 * Acute phase reactants
 * Serum amyloid protein