Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A2M) Therapy
Los Angeles
WHAT IS ALPHA-2 MACROGLOBULIN (A2M)?
Alpha-2 macroglobulin is a naturally occurring large protein found in abundance within blood and it is specifically a protease inhibitor that blocks proteases such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13) and other various inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, NF-κB, TNF⍺) that are associated with chronic joint and tissue inflammation. This elevation of inflammatory factors in degenerative joint disease is associated with progressive cartilage breakdown. Thus, A2M has been researched as a possible intervention to provide anti-inflammatory effect and attenuating the future degeneration of cartilage.
HOW DOES A2M WORK?
A2M physically entraps the harmful proteases and binds the inflammatory cytokines and decreases the presence of these mediators in the joint. This is theorized in medical research to create a healthier chemical balance in the joint possibly leading to a less inflammatory and catabolic environment.
BENEFITS OF A2M
A2M may be ideal in supporting the body’s natural response to situations where there is inflammation from a traumatic event such as injury or surgery and from chronic conditions such as arthritis. It being researched as another way to decrease harmful mediators in the joint and may assist the body with reducing pain and improving function.
Ideal candidates for A2M therapy are individuals interested in supporting their body’s natural adaptive recovery and regenerative processes as well as support joint health. A2M may be helpful in situations where traditional treatments such as rest, medications, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physical therapy have not helped. Candidates may be seeking an alternative to surgery or may be recovering from surgery. A formal consultation with Dr. Yoon is recommended to determine if A2M therapy is appropriate.
The consultation with Dr. Yoon will include a thorough evaluation and discussion of your condition, goals, and available options and if A2M can help support the injury. If A2M therapy is pursued, Dr. Yoon’s office will provide a pre- and post- therapy handout. Additional prescriptions may also include orthotics and braces, biomechanics evaluations, physical therapy, and other supportive measures when appropriate. Because each patient and injury is different, expected outcomes and recovery recommendations will be discussed individually. Follow-up evaluations will be scheduled to assess progress and help optimize the overall recovery plan.
WHY CHOOSE DR. STEVE YOON M.D. FOR A2M?
Dr. Steve Yoon is a highly regarded biologics expert utilizing alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) therapy in professional sports making him a top choice for patients in Los Angeles and around the country. He has extensive experience utilizing A2M while in his role as Director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine at the Cedars Sinai Kerlan Jobe Institute and as a consultant for many professional sports teams and sports agencies throughout the country. Dr. Yoon has successfully helped patients over two decades while specializing in the use of A2M and other regenerative therapies to enhance recovery and performance. His personalized and tailored approach with patients and helping them with their quality of life has earned him numerous honors including being recognized annually in Los Angeles as a Super Doctor as well as a Top Doctor nationally by Castle Connolly.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Hu Q, Ecker M. Overview of MMP-13 as a promising target for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(4):1742. doi:10.3390/ijms22041742
Liao Y, Ren Y, Luo X, et al. Interleukin-6 signaling mediates cartilage degradation and pain in posttraumatic osteoarthritis in a sex-specific manner. Sci Signal. 2022;15(744):eabn7082. doi:10.1126/Sun C, Chang K, Fleming BC, Owens BD, Beveridge JE, Zhao Y, Peng G, Wei L. Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Attenuates Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis Cartilage Damage by Inhibiting Inflammatory Pathways With Modified Intra-articular Drilling in a Yucatan Minipig Model. Am J Sports Med. 2024 Sep;52(11):2882-2892. doi: 10.1177/03635465241272401
Wang S, et al. Identification of alpha-2 macroglobulin as a master inhibitor of cartilage-degrading factors that attenuates the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheumatology 2014, 66(7): 1843-1853.
Zhu M, Zhao B, Wei L, Wang S. Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, a Native and Powerful Proteinase Inhibitor, Prevents Cartilage Degeneration Disease by Inhibiting Majority of Catabolic Enzymes and Cytokines. Curr Mol Biol Rep. 2021;7(1):1-7.doi:10.1007s40610-020-00142z