A2M

What is A2M?

A2M, or alpha-2 macroglobulin, is a large protein that’s naturally made in your body and circulates in your blood plasma. Its job is to stop certain enzymes that break down proteins and destroy tissues in your body. A2M accomplishes its job by trapping the enzymes so they’re easily eliminated from your body.

A2M also inhibits substances that promote inflammation. As a result, it can help stop inflammatory cascades that are harmful to your body.

When might I benefit from an A2M injection?

A2M blocks the action of a group of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are well-known for destroying cartilage in joints, so they’re especially active in patients with osteoarthritis.

However, A2M is such a large molecule that it has a hard time migrating into your joints. That means that you don’t have enough A2M in your joints to provide long-term protection from degenerative disease.

Injecting a concentrated amount of A2M can prevent, stop, or slow down cartilage degeneration and damaging inflammation in joints affected by osteoarthritis. A2M injections also help stop joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies suggest that treatment with A2M shortly after a joint injury may help prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

While A2M is currently used to treat arthritis, it has the potential to treat numerous pain conditions. For example, the experts are studying its ability to relieve back pain caused by degenerative disc disease.

How is my A2M injection produced?

Your A2M injection is made from your own blood. After your doctor at Deschutes Surgery Center draws a blood sample, it’s processed through a machine that separates A2M from the other components in your blood.

Once a concentrated amount of A2M is isolated, it’s injected into your joint. In some cases, A2M may be injected together with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to boost healing. A2M doesn’t work in all joints, but the team at Deschutes Surgery Center has an excellent diagnostic test that identifies the joints that are likely to respond to an A2M injection.

A2M injections are one of today’s most innovative regenerative therapies. To learn whether you might be a good candidate for treatment with A2M, contact Deschutes Surgery Center at Central Oregon Spine & Sports.