Question

a patient with multiple myeloma would most likely have elevated

a) alpha globulins

b) gamma globulins

c) beta globulins

d) c - peptide

Explanation:

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies (immunoglobulins), which are a type of gamma globulin. In multiple myeloma, there is an overproduction of a single type of immunoglobulin (monoclonal gammopathy), leading to elevated gamma globulins. Alpha globulins (e.g., alpha - 1 - antitrypsin, alpha - fetoprotein) have different functions such as antiprotease activity and are not typically elevated in multiple myeloma. Beta globulins (e.g., transferrin, complement components) are involved in iron transport and immune complement system and are not characteristic of multiple myeloma. C - peptide is related to insulin metabolism (it is cleaved from pro - insulin to form insulin) and has no relation to multiple myeloma.

Answer:

b) Gamma globulins