What is M band in serum protein electrophoresis?

A dense narrow band that is composed of a single class of immunoglobulins secreted by an abnormally expanded clone of plasma cells is known as M-protein (paraprotein, monoclonal protein, or M-component). Monoclonal pattern serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP).

What is M band in protein?

Answer. A dense narrow band that is composed of a single class of immunoglobulins secreted by an abnormally expanded clone of plasma cells is known as M-protein (paraprotein, monoclonal protein, or M-component).

What is M band?

SPEP is a simple lab technique where the serum is applied on a support medium and exposed to an electric current. The different fractions of the serum proteins separate usually into 5 bands, as – the albumin, α1, α2, β, and the γ globulin fractions. These proteins are called para proteins or M(monoclonal) proteins.

In which disease serum electrophoresis shows M band?

The presence of M proteins can be a sign of a type of cancer called myeloma, or multiple myeloma. Myeloma affects white blood cells called plasma cells in the bone marrow. Protein electrophoresis also tests for other proteins and antibodies (immunoglobulins).

What causes m spike?

Other diseases that can present with an M spike, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, B and T cell lymphomas, chronic myeloid leukemia and other PC dyscrasias (systemic AL amyloidosis, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) and heavy chain disease) should also be excluded before making a diagnosis of MGUS.

What is monoclonal band?

Monoclonal gammopathy is the name given to a “band” in serum protein electrophoresis, caused by the overproduction of a population of plasma cells, which in turn produce a single immunoglobulin (the so-called “plasma cell dyscrasias”).

What does M band contain?

The M-band proteins myomesin as well as C-protein crosslink the thick filament system (myosins) and the M-band part of titin (the elastic filaments). The M-line also binds creatine kinase, which facilitates the reaction of ADP and phosphocreatine into ATP and creatine.

What does the M protein do?

The M protein coats group A streptococci (GAS) and acts as the primary antigen and determinant of type-specific immunity. M is essential for GAS virulence, providing antiphagocytic functions critical to survival in human tissues and fluids.

Can M Spike go away?

It doesn’t go away on its own, but it doesn’t usually cause symptoms or develop into a serious condition. A doctor will recommend regular checkups and blood tests to keep an eye on your health. Usually, these checkups start six months after first diagnosing MGUS.

What is considered a high M protein level?

High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may indicate a poor prognosis. The presence of any M spike is abnormal and shows the presence of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. If the amount of protein is ≥30 g/L and/or there are other disease symptoms, the patient may have myeloma.