(M) Lec 5: Amino Acids (P2: Proteins) Flashcards
Most plasma proteins are synthesized in what organ?
Liver
The liver is responsible for producing numerous plasma proteins except for what?
Immunoglobulins (aka antibodies which are produced by lymphocytes)
This panel is used to test the synthetic function of the liver (if it normally produces the proteins needed by the body)
Protein Panel
The process of degrading proteins to become free amino acids
Protein Catabolism
Protein Catabolism Pathways
Degrades extracellular and some intracellular proteins
Lysosomal pathway
Protein Catabolism Pathways
Important in degrading intracellular proteins
Cytosolic pathway
- Refers to the removal of amino acid nitrogen from the body
- Removal of an α-amino group (N alone is toxic to the body) from an amino acid by transaminases to a ketocarbon which produces ketoacids
Transamination
These 2 products of transamination:
1. Are converted to urea by the liver (via the urea cycle)
2. Are converted to glucose/fat (via the Krebs cycle)
(2 answers)
- Ammonia
- Ketoacids
Protein Structures
- Overall shape and confirmation; there is folding and a 3D configuration (determines the function and phsyiochemical properties)
- Alpha-helix and Beta-pleated sheet (adds strength and flexibility)
- The basic amino acid sequence
- The shape/structure from the interaction of one or more protein molecules/sub-units held by noncovalent bonds
A. Primary
B. Secondary
C. Tertiary
D. Quaternary
- C
- B
- A
- D
Protein Properties
TOF: Proteins are always negatively charged
False (can be BOTH)
Protein Properties
Refers to the pH at which amino acids and protein have no net charge
Isoelectric Point
Protein Properties
- If pH > pI, a protein has a net (+ or -) charge
- If pH < pI, a protein has a net (+ or -) charge
- pH > pI = negative
- pH < pI = positive
Protein Properties
Basic or Acidic Group?
Lysine, Arginine, and Histidine
Basic
Protein Properties
Basic or Acidic Group?
Glutamate, Aspartate, Cysteine, and Tyrosine
Acidic
Protein Properties
If there is a charge at the protein surface, the protein is (hydrophilic or hydrophobic)?
Hydrophilic
Note: The charge makes it more soluble
Protein Properties
A protein’s lowest solubility is at what point?
Its isoelectric point (there is no net charge)
Protein Classifications (by function)
- These catalyze chemical reactions
- Most are composed of proteins EXCEPT ribozyme (composed of nucleic acids)
Enzymes
Protein Classifications (by function)
Chemical signals that are important for the endocrine system
Hormones
Can be made up of proteins or steroids
Protein Classifications (by function)
These are responsible for carrying certain ions/molecules
Transport Proteins
Protein Classifications (by function)
- Are antibodies important for the defense mechanism and immunity
- Binds to foreign antigens
- Not produced by the liver but rather the plasma cells
Immunoglobulins
Protein Classifications (by function)
Examples are fibers, collagen, and keratin
Structural Proteins
Protein Classifications (by function)
An example is ferritin (iron-storage)
Storage Proteins
Protein Classifications (by function)
A source of this comes from gluconeogenesis
Energy Source
Protein Classifications (by function)
- Pressure that holds the fluid inside the blood vessels
- Is greatly affected by albumin therefore this functions to distribute water throughout the different compartments of the body
Osmotic Force
Protein Classifications (by structure)
Composed purely of proteins and amino acids
- Globular (enzymes, messengers, transporters, hemoglobin, plasma proteins, and peptide hormones)
- Fibrous/Structural (fibrinogen, troponin, and collagen)
Simple
Protein Classifications (by structure)
Attached to non-protein molecules
- An apoprotein + prosthetic group
- Metalloproteins - ferritin, hemoglobin, and ceruloplasmin (carries copper)
- Lipoproteins - HDL, LDL, VLDL, and chylomicrons
- Glycoproteins - anti-trypsin and haptoglobin
- Nucleoproteins - chromatin
- Mucoproteins/Proteoglycans - mucin
Conjugated
Nitrogen Balance
- Protein catabolism exceeds anabolism
- Burns, wasting disease, high fever, and starvation
Negative Nitrogen Balance
Nitrogen Balance
- Protein anabolism is greater than catabolism
- Growth, pregnancy, and repair processes
Positive Nitrogen Balance
Plasma Proteins
What are the 2 major groups?
Albumin and Globulin
Majority is albumin (50-60%)
Plasma Proteins
Plasma Protein Panel Normal Values:
1. Total Protein
2. Albumin
3. Globulin
4. A/G Ratio
A. 1.1-1.8
B. 6.5-8.3 g/dL
C. A computed value only
D. 3.5-5.5 g/dL
- B
- D
- C
- A
Globulin = TP - Albumin
Plasma Proteins
What is the SI unit conversion factor for proteins?
g/dL x 10 = g/L
Serum Protein Electrophoresis
- pH = ?
- Charge of proteins = (+ or -)
- Protein separation and migration move from what point of origin to what end point?
(3 answers)
- pH = 8.6
- Proteins are (-) charged
- From cathode (-) to anode (+)
Serum Protein Electrophoresis
Order the proteins from most to least abundant and their migratory distance:
- Y-globulins
- Albumin
- B-globulins
- A1-globulins
- A2-globulins
Note: Their concentrations and migratory distances are ordered the same
- Albumin
- A1-globulin
- A2-globulin
- B-globulin
- Y-globulin
Study the percentages in the recorded lecture
High Resolution Electrophoresis
Separated into as many as how many bands?
12
Note: Study the additional zones in the lecture
Additional modifications include: Higher voltage, cooling system, and a more concentrated buffer
Serum Proteins
- Aka transthyretin; it migrates ahead of albumin
- Transport protein for thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
- Binds with retinol binding protein to form a complex that transports retinol
- Half life:** 2 days**
- Rich in tryptophan
- A sensitive marker of poor nutritional status
Pre-Albumin
Serum Proteins
- Highest protein concentration in the plasma (50-65%)
- Synthesized by the liver at 9-12 g/day
- Half life: 20 days
- Glycated Albumin - Fructosamine (alternative to HbA1c)
- Functions:
1. Maintains 80% of colloid osmotic pressure (a decrease leads to edema)
2. Negative acute phase reactant (decreases when there is infection/inflammation)
3. Buffers pH
4. Transportation (Iron, Fatty Acids, Bilirubin (B1), Electrolytes, Steroids, Drugs, Hormones)
Albumin
Albumin
Increased (hyperalbuminemia) or Decreased (hypoalbuminemia)?
1. Inadequate source of amino acids in malnutrition and malabsorption
2. Liver disease
3. Protein losing enteropathy or gastrointestinal loss (diarrhea)
4. Kidney loss to urine in renal disease
5. Skin loss in burns or exfoliative dermatitis
6. Hypothyroidism
7. Dilution by excess intake of water or administration of intravenous fluids
8. Genetic mutation resulting from an autosomal recessive trait
9. Redistribution by hemodilution (e.g. sepsis)
10. Increased catabolism - massive burns and malignancy
Decreased (hypoalbuminemia)
Albumin
TOF: Hyperalbuminemia has a higher clinical significance than hypoalbuminemia
False (hyperalbuminemia has no significance)
Albumin
Increased (hyperalbuminemia) or Decreased (hypoalbuminemia)?
- Severe dehydration and prolonged torniquet application
Increased (hyperalbuminemia)
Albumin
- An inherited error of albumin synthesis
- Albumin level is decreased because the patient is not capable of synthesizing it
Analbuminemia
Albumin
- Can be inherited or acquired
- 2 albumin bands are present in electrophoresis
Bisalbuminemia
Serum Proteins
- Consists of α1, α2, β and γ fractions (through electrophoresis)
- Each consists of a number of different proteins with
different functions
Globulins
Globulins
What are the 2 negative acute phase reactants?
Albumin and Transferrin
Globulins
- The most abundant alpha-1 globulin (90% of the fraction)
- It neutrallizes trypsin-like enzymes: Elastase - a neutrophil protease (major inhibitor of protease activity)
- Increases in inflammatory reactions, pregnancy, and contraceptive use
α1-Antitrypsin (AAT)
Globulins
This enzyme degrades elastin, fights infections, and can also destroy alveoli which leads to emphysema
Elastase
Globulins
A mutation wherein the α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is deficient/abnormal which causes:
- Juvenile hepatic cirrhosis
- Lung disease (emphysema); ZZ phenotype (the normal is MM)
Elastase is increased/not inhibited
SERPINA 1
Globulins
- Synthesized in the developing embryo and fetus and by parenchymal cells of the liver
- Protects the fetus from** immunologic attack by the mother**
- Is increased during pregnancy but will decrease gradually after birth, reaches adult levels by 8-12 months
- No known function in normal adults
- Tumor Marker (L3) for liver and testicular cancer
- Screening between 15 to 20 weeks of gestation for Neural Tube Defects and Down Syndrome
- Screening specimen: Maternal serum
- **Confirmatory specimen: **Amniotic fluid
- Interpretation requires accurate dating of pregnancy
- Affected by maternal weight, race, and DM
α1-Fetoprotein (AFP)
α1-Fetoprotein (AFP)
Elevated or Decreased AFP?
Spina bifida, neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, anencephaly, HDN, and general fetal distress
Elevated
α1-Fetoprotein (AFP)
Elevated or Decreased AFP?
Increased risk for Down syndrome and Trisomy 18
Decreased
α1-Fetoprotein (AFP)
What are the 2 testing methods?
Radioimmunodiffusion (RID) and Enzyme-labeled Immunoassay (or ELISA)
α1-Fetoprotein (AFP)
Migratory region in electrphoresis? (it lies between 2 other proteins)
Between Albumin and A1-Globulin
Globulins
- Aka Orosomucoid
- An acute phase reactant
- High percentage of CHO (45%) and sialic acid (11-12%)
- Is negatively charged with **low pH **
- Greatest affinity for progesterone and binds to Quinidine (cardioactive drug)
- Diagnostic tool for neonates with bacterial infection
α1-Acid Glycoprotein
α1-Acid Glycoprotein
Elevated or Decreased?
Pregnancy, stress, inflammation and tissue damage, acute
myocardial infarction, trauma, pregnancy, cancer, pneumonia, and rheumatoid arthritis and surgery
Elevated
α1-Acid Glycoprotein
What is the normal value during testing (RIA, immunofixation, and nephelometry)?
50-120 mg/dL
Globulins
- Serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin)
- Inhibits the enzymes: cathepsin G, pancreatic elastase, mast cell chymase and chymotrypsin
- Produced by the** liver**
- An acute phase reactant (decreased in liver disease)
- Mutations in patients with Parkinson’s disease and COPD
- Increased in Alzheimer’s disease
α1- Antichymotrypsin
Globulins
- A serine protease inhibitor
- Plays a role in inflammation and carcinogenesis
- It migrates in the Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 interzone (hence the name); in conventional electrophoresis, it is still part of the A1 fraction
Inter-α-trypsin Inhibitor (ITIs)
Globulins
- aka Group-specific component globulin
- Part of the Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 interzone
- Carries vitamin D
- Transports fatty acids and endotoxins
- Binds with actin for clearing
- Co-chemotactic factor for neutrophils and monocytes in inflammation
- A prognostic indicator of survival with tissue injury after trauma and hepatic failure
Gc-globulin
Gc-globulin
Elevated or Decreased?
During the third trimester of pregnancy and patients taking estrogen oral contraceptives
Elevated
Gc-globulin
Elevated or Decreased?
Liver disease and protein losing syndrome
Decreased
Gc-globulin
Decreased levels after trauma/hepatic failure indicate what prognosis?
Poor prognosis (low survival rate)
Gc-globulin
What is the method of choice?
Immunonephelometry
Globulins
- An α2–glycoprotein synthesized in the hepatocytes
- An acute phase reactant
- Binds hemoglobin to prevent urinary loss
- **3 phenotypes: **Hp1-1, Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 (increased risk for CVD in patients with DM)
- For evaluation of** anemia** (hemolytic vs. other causes); evaluate the degree of intravascular hemolysis that occurs in transfusion reactions or HDN
Haptoglobin
Haptoglobin
Is it indicative of hemolytic anemia?
Decreased haptoglobin with decreased reticulocyte count
No (reticulocytes should be increased)
Haptoglobin
Is it indicative of hemolytic anemia?
Normal haptoglobin with increased reticulocyte count
Yes (RBC destruction in the spleen and liver)
Haptoglobin
Is it indicative of hemolytic anemia?
Normal haptoglobin with normal reticulocyte count (BUT with signs of anemia)
No (a different cause of anemia other than hemolytic)
Haptoglobin
Is it indicative of hemolytic anemia?
Decreased haptoglobin without signs of anemia
No (a problem with the synthetic function of the liver)
- An α2–glycoprotein for the transport of copper
- Synthesized in the liver
- An acute phase reactant
- 90% or more of total serum copper is found in this, 10% bound in albumin
Ceruloplasmin
Ceruloplasmin
- An autosomal recessive condition wherein ceruloplasmin is low while tissue copper storage and urinary secretions are high (decreased levels in the blood)
- Characterized by liver cirrhosis, CNS damage, and a Kayser-Fleischer ring in the cornea
Wilson’s Disease
Additional: Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome is also a copper metabolism disorder
Ceruloplasmin
Methods of Determination:
Early analytic method
Copper oxidase activity
Ceruloplasmin
Methods of Determination:
Immunochemical method
Radial immunodiffusion and nephelometry
Globulins
- From the liver, a large protein (major component of α2 band)
- Inhibits proteases such as trypsin, pepsin, thrombin, kallikrein and plasmin by trapping (a role in hemostasis)
- Removal of reticuloendothelial cells
- Forms a complex with PSA (prostate specific antigen)
α2-Macroglobulin
α2-Macroglobulin
Increased or Decreased?
DM, Liver disease, Nephrosis, Pregnancy, and Contraceptive use
Increased
In nephrosis, it is 10x higher
α2-Macroglobulin
Familiarize with the methods of determination
Immunodiffusion, immunonephelometry, ELISA, and latex agglutination immunoassay
Globulins
- A β-glycoprotein synthesized by the liver
- A negative acute phase reactant
- Most important for the iron pool; transports iron to prevent urinary loss and tissue deposition
- Transports to storage sites (incorporated to apoferritin → ferritin)
- Reversibly binds 2 molecules of ferric iron
- Iron bound to transferrin is less than 0.1% (4 mg) of total body iron
Transferrin (Siderophilin)
Transferrin (Siderophilin)
Increased or Decreased?
Impaired hemoglobin production leading to secondary iron-deficiency anemia
Decreased (iron is not recycled)
Transferrin (Siderophilin)
Increased or Decreased?
Hereditary disorder in iron metabolism and hemochromatosis (iron in liver and pancreas)
- iron overload leads to **increased iron bound to transferrin **with tissue depletion (low transferrin)
Increased
Transferrin (Siderophilin)
A hereditary condition wherein no transferrin leads to anemia and hemosiderosis
Atransferrinemia
Transferrin (Siderophilin)
High or Low?
Iron Deficiency Anemia
High
Globulins
- β globulin
- Synthesized by the liver
- An acute phase reactant
- A scavenger of heme (1:1 ratio) to protect the body from oxidative damage and it also preserves iron
- Heme-Hemopexin complex is carried to the liver for destruction
Hemopexin
Hemopexin
High or Low?
Diagnostic marker of hemolytic anemia
Low
Hemopexin
High or Low?
Inflammation, DM, Duchenne-type muscular dystrophy, and melanomas
High
Globulins
- A light chain component of the major histocompatibility complex class I (HLA)
- Found on the surface of most nucleated cells and is present in high concentrations on lymphocytes
- GFR: freely filtered by the glomerulus but reabsorbed by PCT
- Is measured by immunoassays
β2 - Microglobulin
Globulins
Refers to chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL
Lipoproteins
β2 - Microglobulin
High or Low?
Impaired clearance by the kidney or overproduction of the protein in rheumatoid arthritis and SLE
High
Globulin
- One of the largest proteins
- Glycoprotein synthesized by the liver
- An acute phase reactant
- Between the β and γ globulins
- Forms a fibrin clot when activated by thrombin
- Marker for long term prognosis of cardiovascular disease
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen
High or Low?
Inflammation, pregnancy, and use of oral contraceptive
High
Fibrinogen
High or Low?
Extensive coagulation
Low
Globulins
- From the liver
- A natural defense mechanism from infection
- Classical, Lectin, and Alternative pathways (when activated, the membrane attack complex begins to lyse the foreign body)
- Consumed in inflammatory reaction (decreased)
Complement
Complement
Elevated or Decreased?
Have little clinical importance
Elevated
Elevated or Decreased?
The complement may be consumed (e.g. in SLE and RA) or it may be decreased (malnutrition) or absent due to genetic defects
Decreased
Complement
What are the 5 membrane attack complexes?
C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9
Globulins
**- From the liver, it precipitates with the C-polysaccharide (from pneumococci)
- Migrates toward the Beta-region (Bishop)/Gamma-region (Henry’s)
- APR - one of the first to rise in inflammation or tissue necrosis (not specific)
- bound to bacteria facilitates opsonization, initiates coagulation, and complement activation
- Can be used as a screening test to determine if the infection is bacterial or viral
- Binds with phosphocholine and LDL
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
High or Low?
Acute infection, inflammatory disease, tissue necrosis, acute rheumatic fever, bacterial infections, myocardial infarction, rheumatoid arthritis, carcinomatosis, gout, and viral infections
High
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- A condition that involves hsCRP
- Recurrent event in patients with unstable angina and AMI
- Low survival rate from CVD
Atherosclerosis
Globulins
- Migrates toward the gamma-region
- Are not synthesized by neonates
Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins
- Crosses the placenta thus it comes from the mother
- Does not cross the placenta (synthesized by the neonate upon reaching 1 year old); these are also higher in females
- Generally higher in males (present in secretions)
- For parasitic and allergic conditions
- No known function
A. IgD
B. IgA
C. IgG
D. IgM
E. IgE
- C
- D
- B
- E
- A
Acute Phase Reactants
Familiarize yourself with the APRs
APRs:
- Antitrypsin
- Acid Glycoproteins
- Antichymotrypsins
- Thyroxine-binding Globulins
- A2 Macroglobulins
- Ceruloplasmin
- Haptoglobin
- LDL
- Hemopexin
- Complement
- CRP
- Fibrinogen
- Immunoglobulins
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Immediate Response Graph:
What regions increase and what decrease?
(2 answers)
Increased: A2 region (an APR)
Decreased: Albumin region (a negative APR)
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Delayed Response Graph:
What regions increase and what decrease?
(3 answers)
Increased: A2 region (haptoglobin: an APR) and Gamma Region (IgG)
Decreased: Albumin
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Hypogammaglobulinemia Graph:
What region decreases?
Gamma region (gammaglobulins in the blood)
Occurs in neonates (not yet capable of producing antibodies), undergoing chemotherapy, immunocompromised, lymphoreticular disorders, or agammaglobulinemia (total absence)
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Hepatic Cirrhosis/Polyclonal Gammopathy Graph:
What regions increase and decrease?
(2 answers)
Increased: Gamma region (beta-gamma bridging); all immunoglobulins are INCREASED
Decreased: Albumin region (the liver produces albumin)
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Multiple Myeloma/Paraprotein/Monoclonal Gamopathy Graph:
What regions increase and decrease?
(2 answers)
Increased: Only specific immunoglobulins (variable for multiple myeloma)
Decreased: Albumin region
Multiple myeloma: Elevated B-cells/plasma cells
Patterns of Electrophoresis
In macroglobulinemia, what immunoglobulin is elevated?
IgM
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Nephrotic Syndrome Graph:
What regions increase and decrease IN BLOOD?
(3 answers)
Increased: A2 Macroglobulins (large protein)
Decreased: Albumin and other regions
Decreased because kidney is damaged therefore these analytes are excreted
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Nephrotic Syndrome Graph:
What regions increase and decrease IN URINE?
Increased: Albumin and other regions
Decreased: A2 Macroglobulins (large protein)
Reverse of nephrotic syndrome blood levels
Patterns of Electrophoresis
Protein-losing Enteropathy Graph:
What regions increase and decrease?
(4 answers)
Protein-losing = absorption problem
Increased: Haptoglobin and A2 Macroglobulin
Decreased: Albumin and Gamma-region