SAA is an acute phase protein and a sensitive inflammatory marker. Cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha stimulates hepatocytes to produce and release SAA. In acute phase, SAA in blood can increase to more than 1,000 folds of normal level.  Prolonged and repeated elevation of SAA results in abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in organ or tissue in insoluble beta pleated form. Determination of SAA levels is important for assessment of renal allograft rejection, estimation of tissue damage caused by myocardial infarction and severe angina, and diagnosis of inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients and in patients infected with virus.