Dynamic changes of different serum glycoproteins after bone fractures.

The physiologic response to a simple injury was studied in a group of 24 adults suffering from uncomplicated fractures of the tibia and fibula. The dynamic changes of different protein and glycoprotein fractions were estimated. At Days 1, 4, 10, and 30 after the fracture, there was no significant alteration in the total protein levels, but the albumin decreased (18%) and and z2-globulinsincreased. The most pronounced changes were observed in the seromucoid, haptoglobin, and ceruloplasmin fractions. These fractions started to rise in the first 4 days after the fracture, but only the seromucoid and ceruloplasmin remained elevated after a month. The results suggesta rapid turnover of thoseglycoprotein fractions; they also show that even a local injury, like an uncomplicatedfracture of the tibia and fibula, is sufficient to cause significant elevation of most of the glycoprotein fractions. The possible mechanism is discussed.