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 and associated with providing 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 helps create a healthier chemical balance in the joint leading to a less inflammatory and catabolic environment.

BENEFITS OF A2M

A2M is ideal in situations where there is inflammation from a traumatic event such as injury or surgery and from chronic conditions such as arthritis. It is another way to decrease harmful mediators in the joint and can help with reducing pain and improving function.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A2M?

Ideal candidates for A2M treatments are individuals seeking a non-surgical solution for pain relief and tissue healing. These include people with chronic joint pain, arthritis, chondromalacia (cartilage damage), meniscus tears, labral tears, ligament sprains and tears, and tendinosis and tendon partial tears. 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. A formal consultation with Dr. Yoon will be needed to determine if this treatment is appropriate.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH A2M TREATMENT?

The consultation with Dr. Yoon will consist of a thorough evaluation and discussion. Dr. Yoon’s office will also provide a pre and post treatment guideline handout if treatment is pursued. Most treatments require abstaining from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one week before and two weeks after the procedure to allow the treatments to naturally work. Because many treatment protocols are tailored to the specific needs of the patient, expectations post treatment will be carefully explained beforehand. Necessary prescriptions for orthotics and other braces, biomechanics evaluations, physical therapy prescriptions, specific location and provider referrals, and other needs will be provided. Continuous patient follow-up will occur at specific timepoints to optimize treatment results.

WHY CHOOSE DR. STEVE YOON M.D. FOR A2M TREATMENT?

Dr. Steve Yoon is a highly regarded biologics expert utilizing alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M) treatments in professional sports making him a top choice for A2M therapy 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 treating consultant for the vast majority of professional sports teams and sports agencies throughout the country. Dr. Yoon has successfully treated 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

Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A2M)