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Total protein in the blood
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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The concentration of total protein in the serum depends mainly on the synthesis and decomposition of the two main albuminous fractions, albumin and globulins. The physiological roles of blood proteins are numerous, the main ones are as follows:
- maintain colloid-oncotic pressure, keeping blood volume, binding water and holding it, not allowing to leave the bloodstream;
- take part in the processes of blood clotting;
- maintain the consistency of the pH of the blood, forming one of the buffer systems of the blood;
- connecting with a number of substances (cholesterol, bilirubin, etc.), as well as with drugs, they are delivered to tissues;
The reference values (norm) of the concentration of total protein in serum are 65-85 g / l.
- maintain the normal level of cations in the blood by forming with them non-dialysable compounds (for example, 40-50% of serum calcium is associated with proteins, a significant part of iron, copper, magnesium and other trace elements is also associated with proteins);
- play a crucial role in immune processes;
- serve as a reserve of amino acids;
- perform a regulatory function (hormones, enzymes and other biologically active protein substances).
The causes of increase and decrease in total protein in the blood
Synthesis of plasma proteins is carried out mainly in the cells of the liver and the reticuloendothelial system. Reduced concentration of proteins in the blood called hypoproteinemia, increased - hyperproteinemia.
Hypoproteinemia occurs due to:
- inadequate administration of protein (with prolonged starvation or prolonged compliance with a protein-free diet);
- increased protein loss (with various kidney diseases, blood loss, burns, neoplasms, diabetes, ascites);
- violation of the formation of protein in the body, with insufficient liver function (hepatitis, cirrhosis, toxic damage), long-term treatment with glucocorticosteroids, impaired absorption (with enteritis, enterocolitis, pancreatitis);
- a combination of the various factors listed above.
Hyperproteinemia often develops as a consequence of dehydration as a result of the loss of part of the intravascular fluid. This occurs with severe injuries, extensive burns, cholera. In acute infections, the concentration of total protein often increases due to dehydration and simultaneous increase in the synthesis of acute phase proteins. In chronic infections, the total protein content in the blood can increase as a result of activation of immunological processes and increased Ig formation. Hyperproteinemia occurs when paraproteins appear in the blood - pathological proteins produced in large numbers in myeloma, with Waldenström's disease.
The total protein concentration can be influenced by body position and physical activity. Active physical work and changing the position of the body from horizontal to vertical increases the protein content by 10%.
Determination of the total protein concentration allows one to assess the severity of the protein metabolism disorder in a patient and to prescribe adequate therapy.