Which specific protein is noted to have an increased level during inflammation?

During inflammation, the body produces a number of acute phase proteins that play a critical role in the inflammatory response. Globulins, particularly the immunoglobulins or antibodies, are a class of proteins that increase in response to inflammation. These proteins are produced by plasma cells and are part of the body's immune system, helping to identify and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

When inflammation occurs, cytokines stimulate the liver to produce more globulins, which include not only immunoglobulins but also other proteins such as fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP). The elevation of globulins can be viewed as a response mechanism to enhance immune function and facilitate healing during the inflammatory process.

In contrast, albumin levels typically decrease during inflammation due to the shift in protein synthesis prioritizing the production of acute phase reactants like globulins. Myoglobin and hemoglobin are not significantly altered in response to inflammation in the same manner and are primarily associated with muscle oxygen transport and circulation, respectively. Thus, the increase in globulin levels is a crucial indicator of the inflammatory response, reflecting the body's effort to combat infection and injury.