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The smallest and densest lipoproteins, containing a high proportion of protein. They are synthesized in the liver as empty proteins and they pick up cholesterol and increase in size as they circulate through the bloodstream. Because HDL can remove cholesterol from the arteries, and transport it back to the liver for excretion, they are seen as "good" lipoproteins.
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The most abundant immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass in the circulation of healthy individuals. The IgG1 core hinge sequence contains 15 amino acids and two interchain disulfide bonds. This subtype has high affinity for binding both Fc receptors and complement component C1q. IgG1 is the predominant antibody subclass that responds to antigens derived from both soluble and membrane proteins. Reduced levels of circulating IgG1 can indicate the presence of a variety of primary and secondary antibody deficiencies, which can result in hypogammaglobulinemia.
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One of nine essential amino acids in humans (present in dietary proteins), Isoleucine has diverse physiological functions, such as assisting wound healing, detoxification of nitrogenous wastes, stimulating immune function, and promoting secretion of several hormones. Necessary for hemoglobin formation and regulating blood sugar and energy levels, isoleucine is concentrated in muscle tissues in humans. Isoleucine is found especially in meats, fish, cheese, eggs, and most seeds and nuts. (NCI04)
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One of nine essential amino acids in humans (provided by food), Leucine is important for protein synthesis and many metabolic functions. Leucine contributes to regulation of blood-sugar levels; growth and repair of muscle and bone tissue; growth hormone production; and wound healing. Leucine also prevents breakdown of muscle proteins after trauma or severe stress and may be beneficial for individuals with phenylketonuria. Leucine is available in many foods and deficiency is rare. (NCI04)
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A water-soluble vitamin ubiquitously found in plants and animal tissues with antioxidant property. Vitamin B5 is a component of coenzyme A (CoA) and a part of the vitamin B2 complex. Vitamin B5 is a growth factor and is essential for various metabolic functions, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids. This vitamin is also involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and hemoglobin.
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An essential aromatic amino acid in humans (provided by food), Phenylalanine plays a key role in the biosynthesis of other amino acids and is important in the structure and function of many proteins and enzymes. Phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine, used in the biosynthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. The L-form of Phenylalanine is incorporated into proteins, while the D-form acts as a painkiller. Absorption of ultraviolet radiation by Phenylalanine is used to quantify protein amounts. (NCI04)
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Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (402 aa, ~45 kDa) is encoded by the human SERPINE1 gene. This protein plays a role in both cell adhesion and the modulation of plasmin activity.
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A cyclic, nonessential amino acid (actually, an imino acid) in humans (synthesized from glutamic acid and other amino acids), Proline is a constituent of many proteins. Found in high concentrations in collagen, proline constitutes almost a third of the residues. Collagen is the main supportive protein of skin, tendons, bones, and connective tissue and promotes their health and healing. (NCI04)
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A non-essential amino acid in humans (synthesized by the body), Serine is present and functionally important in many proteins. With an alcohol group, serine is needed for the metabolism of fats, fatty acids, and cell membranes; muscle growth; and a healthy immune system. It also plays a major role in pyrimidine, purine, creatine, and porphyrin biosynthetic pathways. Serine is also found at the active site of the serine protease enzyme class that includes trypsin and chymotrypsin. (NCI04)
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A family of apolipoproteins that are associated with high-density lipoprotein particles in the serum. These proteins may play a role in both the acute-phase of inflammation and in cholesterol transport.
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Somatotropin (217 aa, ~25 kDa) is encoded by the human GH1 gene. This protein is involved in the regulation of many physiologic processes, including the growth of organs and tissues and the metabolism of amino acids and proteins.
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A secreted antigen derived from two nearly identical cytoplasmic glycoproteins of the serpin family, serpin B3 (SCCA-1) and serpin B4 (SCCA-2). These proteins are specifically expressed in normal squamous epithelia and are present at elevated concentrations in the serum of subjects with squamous cell carcinoma and certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This antigen was first described in squamous cell cervical carcinoma; it is currently used as a nonspecific tumor marker for the presence, staging and monitoring of the disease course for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, cervix, esophagus, anus and lung.