changes in protein profiles in bortezomib applied multiple myeloma ...
changes in protein profiles in bortezomib applied multiple myeloma ...
changes in protein profiles in bortezomib applied multiple myeloma ...
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The ma<strong>in</strong> molecular structure of immunoglobul<strong>in</strong>s is shown <strong>in</strong> Figure 1.5. Even<br />
though antibodies can differ structurally, they are made from the same basic unit (Voet<br />
et al., 1999). Light and heavy cha<strong>in</strong> immunoglobul<strong>in</strong>s show a Y shape structure<br />
(Steward, 1985).<br />
Figure 1.5. Molecular Structure of Immunoglobul<strong>in</strong><br />
(Source: Voet et al., 1999)<br />
Although MM cells can produce all classes of immunoglobul<strong>in</strong>s theoretically,<br />
IgM type immunoglobul<strong>in</strong> is the least and IgG kappa is the most common monoclonal<br />
prote<strong>in</strong> encountered <strong>in</strong> MM. Approximately 60% to 70% of all cases of MM is IgG<br />
type. Morover, IgA type of MM accounts for about 20% of cases. As compared to IgG<br />
type, IgA <strong>myeloma</strong> cells are less widespread, but still prevalent. IgD and IgE types MM<br />
are very rare (Anderson, 2003; Sirohi and Powles, 2004; Multiple Myeloma, 2011).<br />
Some cells produce an <strong>in</strong>complete immunoglobul<strong>in</strong> consist<strong>in</strong>g of only light<br />
cha<strong>in</strong>s, known as Bence-Jones prote<strong>in</strong>s (Light Cha<strong>in</strong> Myeloma or Bence Jones<br />
Myeloma). Most of the time it is seen <strong>in</strong> the form of kappa, but it can be also lambda<br />
type (Hoffbrand et al., 2006; Putnam and Stelos, 2011). In this disease, M prote<strong>in</strong> is<br />
found primarily <strong>in</strong> the ur<strong>in</strong>e, rather than <strong>in</strong> the blood. On the other hand, some rare<br />
diseases are associated with plasma cell overproduction of heavy cha<strong>in</strong>s only. These are<br />
called as heavy cha<strong>in</strong> diseases and they may or may not be similar to <strong>myeloma</strong> <strong>in</strong> their<br />
characteristics.<br />
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