Protein fractions decoding. What are protein fractions in a biochemical blood test? Preparing for the study

Any doctor knows that human plasma contains a huge amount of protein formations. During the analysis, all protein fractions contained in the blood are detected. Their number may indicate some pathology. These are mostly diseases that are easily treatable. However, there are cases of detection of serious diseases, for example, malignant tumors or tuberculosis.

Modern method for studying protein fractions

Of course, in order to detect blood, there is more than one modern method. However, the most popular of all is the electrophoresis method. This study means carrying out an analysis using the influence of an electric current on it. It clots the blood and separates the red cells from the plasma. The results of this analysis should not be taken as a full diagnosis. Analysis of protein fractions is just an additional procedure that confirms a particular pathology.

factions: classification

All studied protein fractions during analysis can be divided into three main groups:

• albumen;
• total protein;
• microalbumin in urine.

Albumin is the largest fraction of human plasma. Its content in the blood exceeds 50%. A high concentration of the substance may indicate liver disease, heart failure, and gastrointestinal pathologies. Dehydration may indicate a deficiency.

The main component of human blood. By its quantity, you can determine the presence of a huge number of diseases. A high level of total protein in the body indicates the presence of infectious diseases, oncology, and autoimmune pathologies. The reasons for the lack of total protein can be diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Microalbumin in the urine, or rather an increase in its content, may indicate the presence of kidney disease and hypertension. In addition, it helps to detect diabetes at an early stage. It is worth noting that even a slight deviation of this component in human plasma indicates possible pathologies in his body.

Normal protein fraction values

Due to the fact that protein fractions are detected very quickly in a biochemical blood test, such an analysis can be called accurate. The normal content of protein formations varies from person to person. But not only the uniqueness of the individual affects the content of protein fractions in the body. In this study, it is also recommended to take into account the age of the patient.

So, in newborns up to 1 year old, the content of protein compounds varies from 47 to 72 g/l. For children from 1 year to 4 years old, this norm ranges from 61 to 75 g/l. The protein content in the blood of children aged 5 to 7 years starts from 57 and ends at 78 g/l. In large children and adults, this figure is considered normal from 58 to 76 g/l. So, the albumin content in the blood should be as follows:

• In children under 14 years of age - 38-54 g/l.
• In adults from 14 to 60 years old - 35-50 g/l.
• In elderly people over 60 years old - 34-48 g/l.

How does the test work?

If the patient is undergoing tests to determine the level of albumin or total protein in the plasma, then he must be approached early in the morning for a blood draw. Breakfast is prohibited. The stomach should be empty for eight hours. The patient is allowed to drink only water. Also, the day before this study, it is forbidden to eat too fatty or fried foods. You need to give up alcoholic beverages and not overload your body with physical labor.

Taking material for microalbumin in urine is much more difficult. During the day, a person must collect all urine excreted in a separate clean container. Taking liquid in the morning is not allowed. After completely collecting the material, you must bring it for research, indicating your exact height and weight.

What else should you not do before the analysis?

There are also a number of prohibitions before taking an analysis of protein fractions. The transcript of research will be greatly distorted if a person does not fulfill at least one of all the requirements. So, before directly donating blood from a vein, the individual is not allowed to smoke. It is also worth postponing the procedure if the patient suffered severe stress the day before.

The result of a biochemical blood test will be slightly distorted by procedures such as x-rays, ultrasound, and fluorography. An adult, several weeks before taking the test, should stop taking any medications that could affect the composition of the blood. It is not recommended for a newborn to take a test to determine protein fractions at the time of exacerbation of teething. Although such research in children is extremely rare.

If the results are not normal...

If the patient receives the results of a biochemical blood test and the protein content differs from normal, then there is no need to worry too much. It is important to remember whether there were any stresses the day before. If yes, then you need to ask your doctor for a referral for a repeat test.

In addition, a slight deviation from the norm can also be observed in a certain group of people, for example, smokers, pregnant women, individuals who take medications for a long time, people who have a high temperature. Blood testing for protein fractions should always be taken as reference information only, and not as a diagnostic method. However, one cannot underestimate the levels of globulins in human blood. It is their content that can determine the presence of specific pathologies.

Who is prescribed analysis for protein fractions?

Very often, healthy people are also sent for a similar blood test. This usually happens during routine medical examinations. But the bulk of the research is carried out on patients who are suspected of having any pathology. Very often people with various chronic or acute diseases, autoimmune disorders and pathologies of the liver and kidneys are examined.

Also, mandatory biochemical testing is required for patients who suffer from various infectious and tumor (including malignant) diseases. Sometimes, with a protracted course of viral diseases, the doctor can also send the patient for an analysis indicating the content of protein fractions in the blood.

Diseases affecting test results

Due to some diseases, protein fractions in biochemical analysis increase or decrease. Most often, changes in these indicators are caused by tumor processes, infectious diseases and chronic pathologies. Unfortunately, sometimes plasma protein increases due to malignancy. However, it is not uncommon that a deviation from the norm in albumin or total protein occurs due to stress suffered by a person.

Also, often an increase in protein levels in a person’s blood occurs due to pregnancy. Affects the number of fractions and liver and kidney diseases, as well as taking certain medications. If a patient has a deviation from the norm of gamma globulin protein, then the doctor may assume that he has hepatitis, leukemia, lymphoma, ulcerative colitis and other specific diseases. If some other symptoms occur, the doctor may also send the patient for an HIV test.

However, when taking tests for protein fractions, it is also worth remembering that during some diseases, especially at the initial stage, globulin in a person’s blood may remain normal. This anomaly is usually observed in 10% of patients. Young parents should not be upset if their baby under the age of six months was found to have a low level of globulins in the blood. In young children, such a deviation is indeed not considered a pathology.

Who can help me decipher the analysis correctly?

A competent patient who cares about his health will under no circumstances self-diagnose. After all, protein fractions in a biochemical blood test, or rather their level, can indicate anything. Moreover, it is worth understanding that the doctor will not make a diagnosis based on one analysis. First, the symptoms are taken into account as a whole, and then the disease from which the patient suffers is indicated.

Only an experienced doctor knows what pathologies cause deviations from the norm, and what proteins are responsible for a particular disease. If the patient begins to diagnose himself, this can cause him to panic. Faith in successful and high-quality treatment will also be lost.

Human blood plasma contains a huge number of different proteins. They have different functional purposes and molecular structures. These components have different mobility in a special medium through which an electric current is passed, and an electric field is created. This is the basis for dividing the total protein contained in the blood plasma into separate protein fractions.

When analyzing blood plasma, the percentage of individual protein fractions is determined. The thing is that it can change with the development of certain pathologies, including cancer, tuberculosis, and infectious diseases. This factor is of great importance for diagnosing various diseases.

How is protein fractions analyzed?

Today, the analysis of protein fractions is in great demand and is used to clarify the diagnosis for various pathological conditions. It can be prescribed by all specialized doctors. The main indications for the purpose of the study are:

• Inflammatory processes of various etiologies;
• Chronic systemic diseases;
• Diseases that are associated with pathologies in connective tissue;
• Malignant tumors.

Blood serum is separated into protein fractions using the electrophoresis method. Using this method, you can not only determine the amount of protein, but also isolate its individual fractions as a percentage. The separation of protein fractions using the electrophoresis method is based on the different mobility of different proteins under the influence of an electric field.

Preparation for delivery

Blood is taken for testing from a vein and is always done on an empty stomach. At the same time, after the last meal no less than 12 hours. During this period, you are allowed to drink only clean water and avoid the consumption of juices, tea and coffee.

In addition, it is important to stop smoking and avoid nervous strain before donating blood. It is not recommended to take blood for analysis after:

• X-rays;
• Fluorography;
• Rectal examination;
• Physiotherapeutic procedures.

Advice! You should be aware that any meal, even a small cup of coffee at the specified time, can significantly distort the results of a blood serum test.

It is advisable to stop taking medications that reduce the concentration of lipids in the blood several weeks before conducting blood plasma tests.

In newborns, blood plasma analysis for the ratio of protein fractions is carried out in exceptional cases. For example, if a child has poor sleep for three weeks, teething is difficult, or there is a suspicion of developing rickets.

Advice! It is believed that in newborns, taking blood from a vein leads to stress that is dangerous for the baby’s body, so a blood serum test is prescribed only in exceptional cases.

Norms of protein fractions in blood serum

The analysis period is one business day. Five standard protein fractions are isolated by electrophoresis:

• Albumin;
• Alpha-1 globulins;
• Alpha-2 globulins;
• Beta globulins;
• Gamma globulins.

If necessary, beta globulins are divided into beta 1 globulin and beta 2 globulin. For a healthy adult, the normal level of protein in the blood is 62-83 g/l. In children, the amount of protein required in the blood may vary depending on age. In newborns, the norm of protein compounds is 48-73 g/l. With age, the normative range gradually changes and is:

• up to 1 year – 47-72 g/l;
• 1-4 years - 61-75 g/l;
• 5-7 years - 52-78 g/l;
• 8-15 years – 58-76 g/l.

The main protein fraction is albumin, their norm is 40-60% of the total amount of protein in the blood. When analyzing the ratio of protein fractions, the following values ​​are considered normal:

The total amount of globulins is almost half of the proteins in the blood. Their percentage percentage is:

• Alpha-1-globulins - 2-5%;
• Alpha-2-globulins - 7-13%;
• Beta globulins - 8-15%;
• Gamma globulins - 12-22%.

Deviation of results from the norm

The first place in the blood serum analysis is the level of albumin in the blood. Its increase may indicate dehydration. This happens, for example, with frequent vomiting or an upset stomach. Also, an increase in this protein fraction occurs with extensive burns.

But what is considered more dangerous is a decrease in the level of the protein fraction, which, if significantly different from the norm, may indicate:

A slight decrease in albumin may also be observed:

• During pregnancy;
• In case of drug overdose;
• With a prolonged increase in temperature;
• For smokers.

Due to the large number of possible disorders, the number of albumins does not have significant diagnostic value, but rather serves as reference information. More important is the decoding of globulins, an increase and decrease in the level of which indicates specific pathologies much more accurately.

Decoding the analysis results

These protein fractions are decisive for:

• Protective properties of the body;
• Quality of blood clotting;
• Transfer of vitamins, hormones and other beneficial components through the tissues of the human body.

It is in this regard that the globulin rate is important when deciphering serum analysis for the percentage of various protein fractions. If a blood serum analysis reveals a change in the normal amount of alpha-1 globulins, then this is a very serious sign that may indicate the development of cancer, the presence of infection and inflammatory processes. A decrease in the level of alpha-1 globulins often occurs against the background of:

• Emphysema affecting lung tissue;
• Kidney pathologies.

The amount of alpha-1 globulins increases with:

• Pregnancy, which is accompanied by fetal pathologies;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.

If the norm of alpha-1 globulins and alpha-2 globulins is reduced, then such analysis in combination with other studies will confirm the presence of liver pathologies, in particular liver cirrhosis or hepatitis. Additionally, low alpha-2 globulin levels may be associated with common health problems such as:

• Improper and unbalanced nutrition;
• Malfunctions of the intestines.

An increased level of beta globulins is indicative for diagnosis. First of all, it is a confirming factor for the presence of liver pathologies and the development of malignant tumors. A decrease in beta globulin levels in combination with other tests may confirm:

• Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• The presence of inflammatory processes in the body;
• Anemia.

Gamma globulins reflect the overall state of the immune system. A significant decrease in their levels may indicate AIDS. In addition, a deviation from the norm confirms the presence of allergic reactions and chronic inflammatory processes.

Advice! You should be aware that young children aged 3-6 months may experience a temporary decrease in gamma globulins, which is considered normal.

Only a specialist can accurately decipher the values ​​indicated in the analysis. Moreover, for diagnosis they are important in combination. But at the same time, general information about what an increase or decrease in the percentage value of a specific protein fraction indicates can and should be known. This will prevent the onset of panic and help set you up for successful treatment of the diagnosed disease.

Description

Determination method Capillary electrophoresis.

Material under study Blood serum

Home visit available

Quantitative ratio of fractions of total blood protein, reflecting physiological and pathological changes in the state of the body.

Total whey protein is made up of a mixture of proteins with different structures and functions. Separation into fractions is based on different mobility of proteins in the separating medium under the influence of an electric field.

Usually, 5 - 6 standard fractions are isolated by electrophoresis: 1 - albumin and 4 - 5 globulin fractions (alpha1-, alpha2-, beta- and gamma-globulins, sometimes beta-1 and beta-2 globulin fractions are isolated separately). Globulin fractions are more heterogeneous.

The alpha1-globulin fraction includes acute-phase proteins: alpha1-antitrypsin (the main component of this fraction) - an inhibitor of many proteolytic enzymes - trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin, etc., as well as alpha1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid). It has a wide range of functions and promotes fibrillogenesis in the area of ​​inflammation. Globulins include transport proteins: thyroxine-binding globulin, transcortin (functions - binding and transport of cortisol and thyroxine, respectively), alpha1-lipoprotein (function - participation in lipid transport).

The alpha2-globulin fraction predominantly includes acute-phase proteins - alpha2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin. Alpha2-macroglobulin (the main component of the fraction) is involved in the development of infectious and inflammatory reactions. Haptoglobin is a glycoprotein that forms a complex with hemoglobin, released from red blood cells during intravascular hemolysis, which is then utilized by the cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Ceruloplasmin - specifically binds copper ions, and is also an oxidase of ascorbic acid, adrenaline, dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), and is capable of inactivating free radicals. The beta globulin fraction contains transferrin (iron transport protein), hemopexin (binds heme, which prevents its excretion by the kidneys and iron loss), complement components (involved in immune reactions) and some immunoglobulins. The gamma globulin fraction consists of immunoglobulins (in quantitative descending order - IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE), which are functionally antibodies that provide the body's humoral immune defense against infections and foreign substances.

In many diseases, there is a violation of the ratio of plasma protein fractions (dysproteinemia). Dysproteinemias are observed more often than changes in the total amount of protein and, when observed over time, can characterize the stage of the disease, its duration, and the effectiveness of the treatment measures.

Paraproteinemia is the appearance on the electropherogram of an additional discrete band, indicating the presence of a large amount of homogeneous (monoclonal) protein, usually immunoglobulins or individual components of their molecules, synthesized in B lymphocytes. High concentrations of M protein (more than 15 g/l) are highly likely to indicate myeloma.

The study of protein fractions in cases of suspected myeloma has particular diagnostic value. Light chains of immunoglobulins (Bence Jones protein) pass freely through the serum filter and may not be detected on the serum electropherogram. Small M-proteins can sometimes be observed in chronic hepatitis, benign - in elderly patients. Minor paraproteinemia can be imitated by high concentrations of C-reactive protein and some other acute-phase proteins, the presence of fibrinogen in the serum, and sometimes drugs based on monoclonal antibodies in peak concentrations (used as antitumor drugs, immunosuppressants, etc.).

Attention! This study is not performed separately, only in combination with tests: .

Preparation

It is preferable to take blood in the morning on an empty stomach, after 8-14 hours of overnight fasting (you can drink water), or 4 hours after a light meal during the day.

Indications for use

Acute and chronic inflammatory diseases (infections, collagenosis).

Oncological diseases.

Eating disorders and malabsorption syndrome.

Interpretation of results

Interpretation of research results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. The doctor makes an accurate diagnosis using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: medical history, results of other examinations, etc.

Units of measurement of protein fractions in the INVITRO Independent Laboratory: g/l.

Alternative units: %.

Reference values

Level up:

Albumin: dehydration; shock;

Albumen:

1. eating disorders;
2. malabsorption syndrome;
3. liver and kidney diseases;
4. tumors;
5. collagenoses;
6. burns;
7. overhydration;
8. bleeding;
9. analbuminemia;
10. pregnancy;

1. hereditary alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency;
2. Tangier disease;

1. decrease in alpha2-macroglobulin (pancreatitis, burns, trauma);
2. decrease in haptoglobin (hemolysis of various etiologies, pancreatitis, sarcoidosis);

gamma globulin fraction:

1. immunodeficiency states;
2. taking glucocorticoids;
3. plasmapheresis;
4. pregnancy.

Synonyms: Protein fractions, Proteinogram, Serum Protein Electrophoresis, SPE, SPEP

Scientific editor: M. Merkusheva, PSPbSMU named after. acad. Pavlova, medical practice.
October, 2018.

General information

One of the main components of blood is protein, which consists of fractions (albumin and several types of globulins) that form a certain formula of quantitative and structural relationships. In inflammatory (acute and chronic) processes, as well as in oncological pathologies, the formula of protein fractions is disrupted, which makes it possible to assess the physiological state of the body and diagnose a number of serious diseases.

Under the influence of an electric field (in practice, electrophoresis is used), the protein is divided into 5-6 fractions, which differ in location, mobility, structure and proportion in the total protein mass.

Standards for protein fractions in the Helix laboratory:

Reference book by L.A. Danilova, 2014:

Factors influencing the result

The analysis result for protein fractions can be deciphered by a hematologist, as well as an oncologist, therapist, surgeon, etc.

Preparation

Biomaterial for research - venous blood serum.

The sampling method is venipuncture of the ulnar vein.

Blood sampling time is in the morning (before 11.00).

A mandatory requirement is that the procedure is carried out strictly on an empty stomach!

Additional training requirements

• 2 weeks before the test you should avoid taking the following medications:
  • oral contraceptives;
  • phenytoin;
  • hormones (testosterone, estrogen, androgens);
  • asparaginase;
  • glucocorticoids;

3 days before the test, you cannot change the menu and diet (diets, fasting, fasting, switching to vegetarianism, etc. are prohibited);

On the eve of venipuncture, exclude fatty, smoked and spicy foods, fried foods, alcohol and energy drinks from the diet;

On the day of the test, you can drink only still water;

Important! The attending physician must be informed in advance about the current or recently completed use of any medications, vitamins, dietary supplements (indicating their names, dosages, duration of treatment).

Human blood plasma contains many protein components. They differ in their composition, structure and mobility in a certain environment that conducts electric current. This is the basis for the division of total protein, which is localized in plasma, into various protein fractions. When performing electrophoresis of blood serum, the quantitative ratio of individual protein components and structures is determined. This is necessary to determine whether a person has various pathological phenomena, such as infections or oncology. It is the electrophoresis of blood serum proteins that is of great importance in diagnosing various diseases.

To split protein fractions, blood serum electrophoresis is used, the principle of which is based on the different mobility of protein components in the created electric field. This research method is more accurate and informative, in contrast to the standard general blood test. But at the same time, electrophoresis shows only the amount of a certain protein fraction, the nature and extent of the pathological process in general form. Analysis of the conducted studies allows medical specialists to find out exactly what ratio of protein fractions is observed in the human body and determine the specific pathology inherent in a particular disease.

Types of protein fractions

Most of the main human biological fluid, or blood, is made up of proteins. In total, their norm is in the range of 60-80 g/l. To obtain an accurate analysis, electrophoresis of blood serum is performed on paper. This study is the most common method of analysis. The main medium is special filter paper. Its main feature is its high hygroscopicity. Such paper can absorb 130-200 times its weight in water. Depending on the equipment used, electrophoresis on paper lasts 4-16 hours. Subdivision of protein structures occurs. The strips of paper are then treated with special inks to obtain the analysis. This technique is the most common in medical laboratories. Due to the influence of electric current, negatively charged protein fractions move towards the positively charged electrode. Due to this, the protein components of blood are divided into 5 known fractions:

• albumins;
• α 1 -globulin;
• α 2 -globulin;
• β - globulin;
• γ-globulin.

Albumins are negatively charged and have a small molecular weight compared to other fractions. Due to this, their speed of movement is much higher than that of other factions, and they are located farthest from the starting area. The first three fractions of globulin move at a lower speed due to their mass. But the lowest speed is recorded for γ-globulins. These proteins have a large mass and are large, relative to others, in size. Their charge is almost neutral, so this protein fraction practically does not move from the starting line.

Need for use

Currently, serum electrophoresis is a frequently performed test to make an accurate diagnosis of the disease. This analysis can be prescribed by both general practitioners and specialized doctors. Indications for conducting research will be:

• various inflammations;
• diseases of a chronic nature;
• pathological processes in connective tissue;
• internal bleeding;

Preparing for the test

In order for the results of the studies to be correct, you must refrain from eating at least 8 hours before donating blood. In addition, it is necessary to coordinate the intake of medications, if any, with the attending physician.

Blood sampling

Useful article? Share the link

In contact with

Classmates

To ensure that the results are not mistakenly overestimated, it is necessary to minimize the possibility of blood clotting to determine the indicator of protein fractions and total protein. Serum electrophoresis is carried out carefully, since there is a possibility of distortion of the results due to fibrinogen. It may be hiding abnormal proteins or being confused with them.

Normal values

Within 24 hours after taking the sample, an analysis for electrophoresis of serum proteins will be ready. The norm of the obtained indicators by category in adults:

1. Total protein - 63-82 g/l.
2. Albumin - 40-60% of the total number of fractions.
3. α 1 -globulins - 2-5%.
4. α 2 -globulins - 7-13%.
5. β-globulins - 8-15%
6. γ-globulins - 12-22%.

The need for analysis

A change in the amount of any protein fraction, up or down, may indicate the development of a particular pathology. To obtain reliable information about this, electrophoresis of serum proteins is necessary. Decoding the results will make it easier for medical specialists to make a diagnosis and choose treatment.

Increased albumin levels

At the very beginning, when analyzing the results obtained, the amount of albumin is determined. An increase in this fraction may indicate dehydration. This can happen if the patient has prolonged vomiting or disturbances in the digestive system. Also, an increase in albumin occurs with burns of a large area of ​​the skin.

Decrease in albumin

It is much more dangerous if the amount of albumin in the body decreases, this may indicate the following pathologies:

1. Kidney and liver damage.
2. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Infectious processes.
4. Disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system.
5. Bleeding.
6. Malignant neoplasms.
7. Sepsis.
8. Rheumatism.

A slight decrease in the amount of albumin may also be:

1. For expectant mothers.
2. If the dose of medications is exceeded.
3. With prolonged fever.
4. For heavy smokers.

Change in the amount of α1-globulins

A decrease in the amount of a1-globulins is recorded with a lack of α 1 -antitrypsin. An increase is noted during exacerbation of inflammation in the body, disturbances in liver function, and tissue decay.

Decreased α2-globulins

It is registered in diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes in the pancreas, in newborns with jaundice, and in hepatitis of toxic origin. It also indicates an incorrect, unbalanced diet.

Increase in α2-globulins

Occurs in the presence of the following diseases:

1. Inflammation, especially with the presence of purulent exudate (pneumonia and other processes with the presence of pus).
2. Connective tissue lesions (for example, rheumatism).
3. Malignant neoplasms.
4. Recovery periods after burns.
5. Kidney damage.

In addition, this phenomenon is typical for hemolysis of blood in vitro during the study.

Increase in β-globulins

It manifests itself in hyperlipoproteinemia (an increase in the amount of lipids in the blood), pathologies of the liver and kidneys. Can be detected with an open stomach ulcer, as well as hypothyroidism (dysfunction of the thyroid gland). A decrease in the fraction is recorded with hypobetalipoproteinemia (an increase in the betalipoprotein component in the blood).

Changes in the γ-globulin fraction

This fraction includes immunoglobulins. Therefore, an increase in γ-globulins is recorded during immune failures. This usually occurs with various infections, the development of an inflammatory process, tissue changes and burn lesions. An increase in γ-globulins is observed in patients with chronic hepatitis. Almost the same picture is characteristic of liver cirrhosis. In advanced cases of this disease, the amount of the protein fraction of γ-globulins is significantly higher than that of albumin. In certain diseases, disruptions in the formation of γ-globulins may occur, and the development of altered proteins in the blood - paraproteins - occurs. To clarify the nature of this development, an additional study is performed - immunoelectrophoresis. This picture is typical for myeloma and Waldenström's pathology.

An increase in the amount of γ-globulins is also inherent in the following pathologies:

• lupus erythematosus;
• endothelioma;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• osteosarcoma;
• chronic form of lymphocytic leukemia;
• candidomycosis.

Decrease in the amount of γ-globulins

A decrease in γ-globulins is divided into 3 types:

1. Physiological (typical for children aged three to five months).
2. Congenital (develops from the moment of birth).
3. Idiopathic (when the cause of development cannot be determined).

A secondary decrease is recorded with the development of diseases that cause depletion of the immune system. Recently, in medical practice, an analysis is increasingly being carried out to determine the amount of prealbumin. Typically, such a study is performed on patients in intensive care.

Reducing the amount of prealbumin is a very important and accurate test for determining the deficiency of protein structures in the patient’s body. When analyzing prealbumin, protein metabolism is corrected in such patients.

Urine electrophoresis

The principle of conducting such an analysis is similar to the technology of performing blood serum electrophoresis. It is carried out for a more accurate diagnosis or detection of other pathologies. In addition, such an analysis will help identify the presence of proteinuria in the patient.

Conclusion

Electrophoresis of blood serum and urine are important methods in the diagnosis of various infectious diseases. Thanks to the research methodology and high accuracy, they help determine the type of pathology. An accurate diagnosis is the right path to proper treatment and full recovery.

Proteins are key elements of all cells and tissues of the body. They are formed by chains of amino acids. There are more than 100 types of protein molecules in the human body. All of them implement various functions. Among the molecules are fibrinogen, transferrin, immunoglobulins, lipoproteins, albumins and others. Isolation of protein fractions is carried out in various ways, but electrophoresis has gained the greatest popularity. Let's take a closer look at its features.

General information

In total, blood proteins form “total protein.” It, in turn, includes components such as globulins and albumins. Blood protein electrophoresis divides them into these elements. This method of separation allowed us to take diagnostics to a completely new level.

Specifics

Molecules acquire a negative or positive charge, which depends on the environment in which they are performed. electrophoresis of blood protein fractions. Their movement is affected by the amount of charge. The nature of the movement is determined by both the shape and size of the molecules themselves, and their weight. Elements with a positive charge have better adsorption than those with a negative charge.

Albumin

They are considered the largest protein molecules among all fractions in whey. The number of albumins reflects the protein status of many internal organs. One of the key tasks of molecules is the preservation of osmotic colloidal pressure. It helps maintain the fluid system in the bloodstream. In accordance with this, the development of such pathological conditions as pulmonary edema, ascites, etc. can be explained.

Globulins

They are divided into several groups. Protein electrophoresis method allows for their quantitative separation in the laboratory. Among the components of globulins are:

1. Alpha-1. They contain elements of alpha-1-antitrypsin, as well as thyroxine-binding globulin.
2. Alpha-2. They contain parts of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, etc.
3. Beta elements. Among them are components of complement, transferrin, and beta-lipoproteins.
4. Gamma part. It contains immunoglobulins A, E, M, G, D.

Protein electrophoresis with an increase in alpha-1 and alpha-2 parts indicates the onset of the inflammatory process.

Norm

Electrophoresis of proteins in a healthy body is reflected by the following indicators (in g/dL):

1. Albumin 3.4-5.
2. Alpha-1 globulin - from 0.1 to 0.3.
3. Alpha 2 - from 0.6 to 1.
4. Beta globulin - from 0.7 to 1.2.
5. Gamma globulin - from 0.7 to 1.6.
6. General indicators - from 6.4 to 8.3.

Benefits of diagnostics

As mentioned above, medicine uses quite a lot of methods for separating protein molecules according to certain criteria. However, the most common is protein electrophoresis. Protein fractions contained in certain biological media can only be isolated in this way. In particular, it allows the detection of paraproteins. Protein electrophoresis - special clinical method of analysis. It makes it possible to identify any changes in molecules that may act as signs of certain pathologies. Electrophoresis of protein fractions- an accessible diagnostic method. It is performed in all laboratories. Its undoubted advantages include accuracy and speed of obtaining results. Serum protein electrophoresis allows you to identify changes:

Obtaining research results

Capillary electrophoresis can detect certain types of proteins. However, some molecules cannot be detected by this method. The exception is albumin. For a more in-depth analysis, electrophoresis of fractions is used. The level of certain groups can be measured by the amount of total proteins multiplied by the relative % share of each of them.

Nuances

Protein electrophoresis must be performed simultaneously with the measurement of the content of immunoglobulins M, A and G. Options with a higher concentration of the first two, which cannot be studied separately, must be sent for re-analysis. This is necessary to exclude immunofixation of minor paraprotein groups.

Clinical picture

Protein electrophoresis allows you to detect the onset of kidney and liver pathologies, genetic deformations, the formation of malignant tumors, activation of chronic and acute infections. In practice, a number of “syndromes” have been identified, which the transcript of the analysis shows:

Nephrotic syndrome

It is diagnosed if the transcript of the study indicates an increase in the level of filtration of protein molecules in the renal tubules and selective proteinuria. The latter is the excretion of a large number of albumins and a small amount of low molecular weight globulins in the urine. Along with the progression of the syndrome, intensive synthesis of large molecules of the alpha-2-globulin group in the liver is detected. They accumulate in the blood fluid. In this regard, the following picture is formed. The albumin content decreases and the amount of alpha-2-globulin increases.

Additionally

Significant protein losses are characteristic not only of nephrotic syndrome. They are also observed in Laell's disease, extensive burns, pathologies of the digestive system, etc. In case of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, deciphering the proteinogram indicates a decrease in albumin content and a simultaneous increase in the percentage of all groups of globulins. Protein levels can be regulated by regularly performing electrophoresis. In this case, it is advisable to introduce drugs that replace protein elements. With a pronounced decrease in gamma globulins, severe immunodeficiency of an acquired or congenital nature is diagnosed. In such cases, to identify the complete clinical picture, it is recommended to additionally determine the content of immunoglobulins M, A, G.

Paraproteinemia

Electrophoresis is considered the only way to detect it. Paraproteinemia is a symptom that accompanies the progressive growth of benign and malignant tumors. The accumulation of monoclonal immunoglobulins in the blood, as well as fragments of their connections, is characteristic of myeloma and a number of leukemias. To differentiate paraproteins and establish protein chains, it is recommended to perform a modified electrophoresis - immunofixation. To conduct the study, helium plates with antiserum are used.

Characteristics of fractions on the electrophoretic curve

Monoclonal immunoglobulins are detected only in the presence of pathology.