Clinically important proteins Flashcards
Where are proteins measured
Plasma, serum, urine
What is plasma
The fluid component in the blood
What is serum
The fluid obtained from blood that has clotted
What is the normal amount of protein in plasma
60-80 g/L
What is the most commonly measured protein clinically
Albumin
Where are most proteins synthesised
The liver
What are the functions of plasma proteins
Maintenance of colloid oncotic pressure
Transport purposes
Enzymes and enzyme inhibitors
Defence mechanisms
Source of uni acids
What does decreased albumin cause
Increased water movement to interstitial fluid
What does raised albumin show
Main clinical reason is secondary to dehydration
What does transferrin do
Protects the body against the toxic effect of free iron
What does increased or decreased saturation of transferrin show
Iron overload or deficiency
What is caeruloplasmin
Specific carrier protein for copper
What can cause low caeruloplasmin
Wilson’s disease
What is alpha 1- antitrypsin
A protease inhibitor that prevents damage to tissue from enzymes which leak into blood
What do decreased levels of alpha 1 -antitrypsin show
An autosomal ressesive genetic disorder
