Serum Amyloid A1/SAA1

Serum Amyloid A1 Protein (SAA1) is an acute phase apolipoprotein reactant that is produced predominantly by hepatocytes and is under the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. SAA is produced mainly in the liver and circulates in low levels in the blood. SAA may play a role in the immune system and facilitate the repair of injured tissues, it also acts as an antibacterial agent, and signals the migration of germ-fighting cells to sites of infection. SAA also functions as an apolipoprotein of the HDL complex. The SAA cleavage product designated amyloid protein A is deposited systemically as amyloid in vital organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys in chronic inflammatory diseases patients. These deposits are extremely insoluble and resistant to proteolysis; they disrupt tissue structure and compromise performance.