Ceruloplasmin (copper-containing oxidase) in serum

Ceruloplasmin in blood serum is an oxidase that contains up to 90% of copper in plasma. Ceruloplasmin is also a globulin, or more precisely one of its types – alpha-globulin. Ceruloplasmin is a protein with a molecular weight of 150,000 daltons, contains 8 Cu ¹⁺ ions and 8 Cu ²⁺ ions. The main copper-containing plasma protein is an alpha ₂ -globulin; it accounts for 3% of the total copper. The pronounced catalytic function performed by ceruloplasmin in blood serum regulates oxidation-reduction processes in cells. In addition, this important protein controls the amount of iron and gives a “start” to the oxidation of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter, a “wakefulness” hormone), vitamin C, serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates the pain threshold, vascular tone and partly the emotional state), and also prevents abnormal oxidation of complex molecules that supply cells with energy – lipids.

Reference values (norm) for ceruloplasmin concentration in blood serum in adults are 180-450 mg/l.

Serum ceruloplasmin is also important for:

• Stable state of cell membranes;
• Active elimination of antigens and timely immune response to the invasion of various infections;
• General antioxidant process;
• Stimulation of the formation (hempoiesis) of erythrocytes and white blood cells - leukocytes in the hematopoietic organ - the bone marrow;
• Compounds of hemoglobin with iron.

Ceruloplasmin in the blood serum is formed to a lesser extent in lymphocytes, and to a greater extent is synthesized in the liver. The normal level of ceruloplasmin is maintained by part of the hormonal system - corticosteroids, as well as prostaglandins and the pancreatic hormone - glucagon, in addition to some mediators of the immune system - interleukin and others. Also, the level of estrogen directly affects the ceruloplasmin in the blood serum, which is why pregnancy or long-term use of contraceptive drugs can provoke an excess of this protein in women.

Ceruloplasmin in the blood serum, if it were the predominant element of the blood, could make us all "kings" and "royals", since it has a beautiful sky-blue hue. "Blue" blood, or rather its part, is explained by the fact that one protein molecule can contain a large amount of copper, up to 8 atoms. Despite its "royal" color, ceruloplasmin is quite active and severe in relation to any inflammatory processes, infections and injuries. With any invasion of a virus, bacteria, threatening the body, this alpha globulin instantly reacts to the signal. And if you saturate the body with ceruloplasmin during various pathological bleeding, for example, uterine, then blood loss stops literally within half an hour, so quickly this amazing protein saturates the blood plasma with the necessary microelement.

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Ceruloplasmin in blood serum - increased and decreased

Any type of anemia definitely causes a violation of the metabolism of all existing microelements, especially copper. That is why pharmacology offers not only iron-containing drugs, but also copper and ceruloplasmin for effective treatment of blood diseases and anemia. In general, copper, as a microelement, is very important for any organism, including a growing one. In pediatrics, cases of anemia in babies in the first year of life, which is called physiological, have long been described. This is due to feeding with mother's milk, which is considered healthy, but one-sided. In newborns, during the first month, despite the presence of a full volume of mother's milk, a significant decrease in an important component of the blood - hemoglobin, changes in the color and quantitative indicators of red blood cells is noted. After a year, when the child gradually begins to receive more "adult" food, all these indicators are normalized.

There is another reason for the decrease in copper levels, or more precisely ceruloplasmin. We are talking about alimentary anemia, that is, insufficient or inadequate nutrition.

Ceruloplasmin is elevated in those who suffer from infectious diseases, especially in a latent or chronic form, and excess ceruloplasmin is also noted in such diagnoses as liver cirrhosis, various hepatitis. Any systemic diseases and some mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, in addition to other clinical deviations, are accompanied by a high level of ceruloplasmin concentration in the plasma. Serum may contain ceruloplasmin above the norm and in oncological processes of various etiologies. In this case, the indicators exceed the limits by one and a half to two times, this is especially typical for neoplasms in the lungs, cervix, mammary glands, stomachs and intestines. If chemotherapy was effective, ceruloplasmin is quickly restored to normal levels. If it is still below the required level, this indicates the ineffectiveness of therapeutic measures or a severe, terminal form of the disease.

Ceruloplasmin in the blood serum is an important plasma protein for life, the level of which directly depends not only on the presence of diseases, but to a greater extent on disease prevention, normal, adequate nutrition and adherence to the rules of a healthy, reasonable lifestyle.

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