Ceruloplasmin (copper-containing oxidase) in serum

Ceruloplasmin in serum is an oxidase that contains up to 90% copper in the plasma. Tseroloplasmin is also a globulin, more precisely one of its species - alpha globulin. Ceruloplasmin is a protein with a molecular weight of 150,000 daltons, contains 8 ions of Cu ¹⁺ and 8 ions of Cu ²⁺. The main copper-containing plasma protein refers to alpha _2- globulin; it accounts for 3% of the total amount of copper. The pronounced catalyzing function performed by ceruloplasmin in the serum regulates the oxidation-reduction processes in the cells. In addition, this important protein controls the amount of iron and gives a "start" to the oxidation of noradrenaline (neurotransmitter, the hormone "wakefulness"), vitamin C, serotonin (neurotransmitter, regulating pain threshold, vascular tone and partially emotional state), and also prevents abnormal oxidation of complex molecules supplying cells with energy - lipids.

The reference values (norm) of the concentration of ceruloplasmin in the serum in adults are 180-450 mg / l.

Ceruloplasmin in serum is also important for: 

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

Ceruloplasmin in the serum is less formed in the lymphocytes, in the larger - it is synthesized in the liver. The normal level of ceruloplasmin is maintained by a part of the hormonal system - corticosteroids, as well as prostaglandins and pancreatic hormone - glucagon, in addition some mediators of the immune system - interleukin and others. Also, the serum level of ceruloplasmin is directly affected by the level of estrogen, which is why a pregnancy or a prolonged intake of contraceptive drugs can provoke an excess of this protein in women.

Ceruloplasmin in the blood serum, if it was the predominant element of blood, could make us all "kings" and "kings", because it has a beautiful sky-blue shade. The "blue" blood, more precisely 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" coloring, ceruloplasmin is quite active and severe in relation to any inflammatory processes, infections and injuries. With any invasion of the virus, a bacterium that threatens the body, this alpha globulin reacts instantly to the signal. And if you saturate the body with ceruloplasmin for various pathological bleedings, for example, uterine bleeding, then the blood loss stops literally within half an hour, so quickly this amazing protein saturates the blood plasma with the necessary trace element.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Ceruloplasmin in serum is elevated and decreased

Any type of anemia unambiguously causes a violation of the exchange of all existing trace elements, especially copper. That is why pharmacology offers for effective treatment of blood diseases, as well as anemia, not only preparations containing iron, but also copper, and ceruloplasmin itself. In general, copper, as a trace element, is very important for any organism, including for the growing one. Pediatrics have long described cases of anemia in infants of the first year of life, which is called physiological. This is due to the feeding of mother's milk, which is considered useful, but one-sided. In newborns during the first month, despite the presence of a full volume of mother's milk, there is a significant decrease in the important component of blood - hemoglobin, changes in color and quantitative parameters of red blood cells. After a year, when the child begins to gradually receive and more "adult" food, all these indicators are normalized.

There is one more reason for lowering the level of copper, more precisely, ceruloplasmin. We are talking about alimentary anemia, that is, inadequate or inadequate nutrition.

Ceruloplasmin is elevated in those who suffer from infectious diseases, especially in latent or chronic form, also the excess of ceruloplasmin is noted in such diagnoses - cirrhosis of the liver, various hepatitises. Any systemic diseases and some mental disorders, for example, schizophrenia, in addition to other clinical abnormalities, are accompanied by a high level of ceruloplasmin concentration in the plasma. Serum can contain ceruloplasmin more than normal and with oncological processes of different etiology. At the same time, the indices exceed the boundaries in one and a half to two times, especially in neoplasms in the lungs, cervix, mammary glands, stomach and intestines. If the chemotherapy was successful, then the ceruloplasmin is quickly restored to normal levels. If it is still below the required level, it 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 more on the prevention of disease, on normal, nutritious nutrition and the rules of a healthy, reasonable lifestyle.

[10], [11], [12], [13], [14]