Serum Proteins and Methods Flashcards
Where are most plasma proteins synthesized?
Liver hepatocyte.
Where are immunoglobulins synthesized?
Plasma Cells.
Where is hemoglobin synthesized?
Nucleated RBC’s.
Where is Von Willebrand’s Factor synthesized?
Epithelial and megakaryocytes.
What is the mathematical equation to determine total protein?
Total protein = Albumin + Globulins
What is the A/G Ratio?
The ratio between albumin and globulin.
How would you go about calculating the A/G Ratio?
Total Protein - Albumin = Calculated Globulin Level
Albumin/Globulin = A/G Ratio
What is the reference interval for total protein?
6.5 - 8.3 g/dL
What is the reference interval for transthyretin (prealbumin)?
0.1 - 0.4 g/dL
What is the reference interval for albumin?
3.5 - 5.0 g/dL
What is the reference interval for alpha-1-globulins?
0.1 - 04 g/dL
What is the reference interval for alpha-2-globulins?
0.3 - 0.8 g/dL
What is the reference interval for beta-globulins?
0.6 - 1.1 g/dL
What is the reference interval for gamma-globulins?
0.5 - 1.7 g/dL
Define hyperproteinemia.
Increased serum proteins levels.
What are some causes of hyperproteinemia?
Hemoconcentration and increased abnormal protein.
What are some causes of hypoproteinemia?
A decrease serum proteins level; excessive loss due to salt retention syndrome and decreased synthesis.
Define acute phase reactants.
Individual fractions of total protein that are involved in the inflammatory process.
Reference interval for transthyretin (prealbumin).
0.1 - 0.4 g/dL
What is the clinical significance of transthyretin (prealbumin)?
Transport ~10% of T3 and T4 proteins; Retinol Binding Protein (circulates 1:1).
When would transthyretin (prealbumin) be increased?
In Hodgkin’s and renal disease.
When would transthyretin (prealbumin) be decreased?
In malnutrition, liver disease, activation of acute phase reactants, and tissue necrosis.
What method(s) are used to measure transthyretin?
Electrophoresis: high resolution, migrates ahead of albumin.
Quantitative test: nephelometry
Reference interval of albumin.
3.5 - 5.5 g/dL
What is the clinical significance of albumin?
2/3 of all serum proteins, it maintains oncotic pressure, acts as a protein transporter, and a source of amino acids.
When would you see an increase in albumin?
Dehydration.
When would you see a decrease in albumin?
Common in many illnesses, including chronic liver disease.
Define bisalbuminemia.
Presence of two albumin bands instead of the single band usually seen in electrophoresis. .
What methods are used to test for albumin?
Dye methods, immunochemical, and/or nephelometry.
Reference interval of alpha1-antitrypsin.
0.2 - 0.4 g/dL
What is the clinical significance of alpha1-antitrypsin?
Acute phase reactant with antiprotease activity. Without it, elastase from PMNs attack tissue.
When would you find an increase in alpha1-antitrypsin?
Inflammation or malignancy.
When would you find a decrease in alpha1-antitrypsin?
Inherited disorders which leads to lung or liver diseases.
What methods are used to test for alpha1-antitrypsin?
Electrophoresis: makes up 90% of the alpha-1 band.
Quantitative: nephelometry.
Reference interval for alpha-1-acid glycoprotein.
0.05 - 0.14 g/dL
What is the clinical significance of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein?
Formation of certain membranes and fibers, associated with collagen. Inactivates basic, lipophilic hormones such as progesterone and drugs.
When would you see an increase in alpha-1-acid glycoprotein?
Inflammation, pregnancy, CA, RA, pneumonia, stress.