Biochemical analysis: albumin
Maintaining optimal levels of this protein is extremely important for the functioning of the body as a whole. The volume of blood circulating in the body depends on this. In addition, the protein is responsible for regulating osmotic pressure. This indicator changes under the influence of many factors (for example, after eating salty foods). Therefore, its regulation is a very important process. Albumin is also responsible for the transport and storage of many biological compounds and amino acids. When examining your health status, the ALB level is one of the key indicators.
Basic information
Albumin is synthesized in liver cells (up to 15 g per day). For the body, it is the main reserve protein (a source of amino acids), i.e., during periods of prolonged fasting, it is consumed first.
Albumin maintains circulating blood volume. It determines oncotic (colloid-osmotic) pressure by 80%, since due to the small size of its molecules it is contained in fairly large quantities in the serum. Albumin ensures the transport of important chemical compounds: bilirubin, urobilin, cholesterol, calcium, bile salts, fatty acids, exogenous substances (penicillin, sulfonamides, hormones, mercury and some drugs).
In addition to the oncotic and transport functions, albumin has a wide range of other important physiological functions, such as immunocorrection, endothelial stabilization, and antioxidant effects.
Important! One “taxi molecule” of albumin is capable of binding and transporting up to 25-50 molecules of bilirubin, for example. Therefore, hypoalbuminemia increases the concentration of free (unbound) biologically active components. This fact must be taken into account when selecting the dosage of drugs, because against the background of low albumin concentrations, the activity of drugs, and, accordingly, their therapeutic effect, can change, even becoming toxic.
In young children, pregnant women (especially in the 3rd trimester) and lactating women, as well as smokers, the content of albumin in the blood serum is slightly lower than in other groups of patients.
Deviation from normal levels of albumin in the blood occurs under the influence of both internal and external factors. Therefore, to make an accurate diagnosis, additional studies are prescribed to help determine the onset of the pathological process and its cause, as well as take all necessary measures to eliminate the disease.
Who needs to get tested
Blood test for albumin
used in conjunction with data from other studies in the diagnosis of many diseases. Most often, the analysis is prescribed for suspected pathologies of the kidneys and liver. Its results are also used to assess the health status of patients with cancer diagnoses, major injuries or burns. The test is prescribed independently or in combination with other tests. The composition of the examination required in a particular case is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s complaints, examination results, and medical history.
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Interpretation of results
Albumin is synthesized in the liver. Normally, approximately 15 grams of protein are produced per day. It remains in the body and performs its functions for several weeks. The main purpose of this test is to assess the protein-synthetic function of the liver. An increase in indicators indicates dehydration of the body. The causes of dehydration can be different (for example, serious burns). Also, a high level of ALB may indicate the presence of infection and a number of other diseases. For their accurate diagnosis, additional examination is mandatory.
A lack of protein in most cases indicates kidney pathologies. It can also be observed in the presence of an inflammatory process. A decrease in indicators during pregnancy is normal. Reference values depend on the patient's age. For adults, the norm ranges from 35-52 g/l. Based on the test results, one can judge the severity of a number of diseases.
Albumen
Material for research: blood serum.
Albumin is the main blood protein produced in the human liver. Albumins are classified into a separate group of proteins - the so-called protein fractions. Changes in the ratio of individual protein fractions in the blood often provide the doctor with more significant information than just total protein. The determination of albumin is used to diagnose liver and kidney diseases, rheumatic diseases, and oncological diseases.
It accounts for more than half of all blood proteins. Synthesized in the liver, the half-life is 17 days. Since albumin molecules take part in binding water, when its level drops below 30 g/l, part of the water moves from the vascular bed to denser tissues, causing edema.
Functions of albumins:
- Maintaining oncotic pressure of blood plasma. Therefore, when the albumin content in the plasma decreases, the oncotic pressure drops, and the fluid leaves the bloodstream and enters the tissue. “Hungry” edema develops. Albumin provides about 80% of the oncotic pressure of plasma. It is albumins that are easily lost in the urine during kidney disease. Therefore, they play a large role in the drop in oncotic pressure in such diseases, which leads to the development of edema.
- Albumin is a reserve of free amino acids in the body, formed as a result of the proteolytic breakdown of these proteins.
- Transport function. Albumin transports many substances in the blood, especially those that are poorly soluble in water: free fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, steroids, hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine, cortisol), metabolites (uric acid, bilirubin), some ions (Ca2+, Mg2+). To bind calcium, the albumin molecule contains special calcium-binding centers. In combination with albumin, many drugs are transported, for example, acetylsalicylic acid, penicillin.
A biochemical blood test for albumin may show a slight decrease in protein levels in the blood of a pregnant woman, during lactation, and in those who smoke. Increased albumin in the blood occurs due to dehydration, loss of fluid from the body. Albumin provides about 80% of the oncotic pressure of plasma. It is albumins that are easily lost in the urine during kidney disease. Therefore, they play a large role in the drop in oncotic pressure in such diseases, which leads to the development of edema.
The level of albumin in the blood is an indicator of the well-being of the body.
Increased albumin levels: almost never occur, and if detected, it usually causes a decrease in water content, which leads to dehydration.
Decreased albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia): Observed with insufficient protein intake from food (fasting, cachetsia), impaired absorption of protein breakdown products through the gastrointestinal mucosa (enteritis, removal of part of the stomach, oncology); decreased synthesis of vitamin A; chronic liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, atrophy, carcinoma); malabsorption syndrome (gastroenteropathy) and gastrointestinal pathology; chronic renal pathology; thermal burns; tissue injuries; after bleeding; in the postoperative state, as well as in sepsis and infectious diseases; thyrotoxicosis, rheumatic diseases.
Preparation for the study: blood sampling is performed strictly on an empty stomach.
conclusions
The amount of ALB is required to diagnose a number of diseases and select the optimal treatment tactics. It characterizes metabolism and overall health. In case of severe symptoms of kidney problems, this test is prescribed first. It can also be carried out as part of a comprehensive examination or after it, if deviations are identified and it is necessary to clarify their nature and cause. Interpretation of the results can only be carried out by a doctor; the test is not intended for self-diagnosis
. In some cases, deviations from the norm are possible in the absence of diseases.
Lowering values
In European practice, it is customary to distinguish the following conditions in which albumin values can be reduced:
- Ascites;
- Extensive burns and injuries;
- Glomerulonephritis;
- Liver diseases, hepatitis,
- cirrhosis,
- carcinoma,
- hepatic encephalopathy;
- starvation;
In Russian laboratories (Invitro and Helix), the interpretation of low albumin includes, in addition to the above conditions, the following:
- The presence of exudates and transudates (edematous fluid of an inflammatory and non-inflammatory nature, respectively);
- Condition after blood transfusion and severe bleeding;
- Increased catabolism (energy metabolism) of proteins: febrile syndrome;
- infections, sepsis (blood poisoning);
- endocrine disorders (thyrotoxicosis);
- some cancers;
- rheumatic lesions;
- increase in circulating blood volume (hyperhydration);
- analbuminemia (hereditary pathology characterized by a critical decrease in the amount of albumin in the blood);
- heart failure with congestion;
- treatment with hormonal drugs, amiodarone, taking high doses of steroid hormones, growth hormone, insulin;
- pregnancy.
Preparing for analysis
A laboratory test for serum albumin is performed as part of a blood chemistry test. The training requirements are standard; a detailed description of them is given here.
However, given the high ability of protein to bind, it would not be amiss to recall that a few days before the procedure it is necessary to stop taking any medications, and to exclude fatty, fried foods and alcohol from the diet.
Sources:
- Spinella R, Sawhney R. Albumin in chronic liver disease: structure, functions and therapeutic implications. - Hepatology International, Sep 2015.
- Data from the independent laboratory Invitro.
- Data from Helix laboratory.
- Sridevi Devaraj. Albumin. — Medscape, Jan 2015.
Albumin food grade black
Soviet pharmaceutical factories began producing Hematogen in 1930. The taste of the drug is reminiscent of the famous “Iris” candy. According to the instructions, its composition contains black albumin mixed with condensed milk and sugar syrup. In nature, large amounts of this element are stored in egg whites, beef, and potatoes. The drug has a low price, so it is prescribed for the prevention of anemia. To increase the therapeutic effect of hematogen, its composition is enriched with iron sulfate.
Dietary albumin is obtained from the blood of cattle that have undergone defatting procedures. Polyphosphates are used to stabilize elements. The substance includes amino acids, carbohydrates and fats. The disadvantage of bovine protein is the high content of allergens in animal red blood cells. With prolonged use of the product, adults experience itching, swelling, and skin rashes. You can add medicine to your daily diet only on the recommendation of a doctor.
results
Patients were followed for 18 months or until refractory ascites, the need for a portosystemic shunt, liver transplantation, or death.
- The primary endpoint of overall survival at 18 months was achieved by 78% of the albumin group and 66% of the control group (P = 0.028).
- There was a significant improvement in the number of secondary events in the albumin group. This is a 45% reduction in days spent in hospital (19.4 days in the standard therapy group; P < 0.0001).
- Albumin use was significantly associated with a decrease in paracentesis (P < 0.0001), refractory ascites (P < 0.0001), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (P < 0.0001), renal dysfunction (P < 0.0001), hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (P = 0.0039) and hepatic function. encephalopathy grades III and IV (P <0.0001).
- However, the incidence of bleeding from varicose veins did not differ between groups.
The researchers note that the mechanisms explaining the beneficial effects of albumin are not entirely clear. Albumin may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- In the group of patients who were prescribed albumin, 2 patients had moderate allergic reactions, which resolved. One patient was diagnosed with pneumonia, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Source:
International Liver Congress (ILC) 2021: Abstract LBO-08. Presented April 22, 2021.
