[Detection of the degree of activity of ulcerative colitis. Behavior of serum alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and alpha 2-macroglobulin].

The study of two proteins, acute phase reactants, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and alpha 2-macroglobulin, has demonstrated their utility in the diagnosis of the activity of ulcerative colitis. Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor presented serum increases parallel to the degree of activity, permitting differentiation of asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe phases of the disease. Increases in alpha 2-macroglobulin coincided with less-intense phases of the disease. The possible biological basis of this different behavior is discussed, as well as its potential inclusion among the biological tests currently used in clinical practice.