Orosomucoid

Orosomucoid (ORM) or alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (α1AGp, AGP or AAG) is an acute phase protein found in plasma. Orosomucoid was discovered over 70 years ago and belongs to the lipocalin protein family. There are two isoforms of AGP, referred to as AGP1 and AGP2. It is an alpha-globulin glycoprotein and is modulated by two polymorphic genes. It is synthesized primarily in hepatocytes and has a normal plasma concentration between 0.6–1.2 mg/mL (1–3% plasma protein). Recent research has shown that under certain physiological conditions, brain and adipose tissue can also synthesize this protein. Plasma levels of AGP are affected by pregnancy, burns, certain drugs, and certain diseases, particularly HIV. APG also plays an important role in inflammation and pharmacokinetics, acting as a major transport protein in the blood stream.