Proteinogram is a blood test consisting in electrophoretic separation of proteins into fractions and determination of their composition. They are performed when the result of the total protein concentration is abnormal. The proteinogram is helpful in the diagnosis of liver diseases, nephrotic syndrome, inflammation and cancer. How should you prepare for this test?
Proteinogramis a blood test that your doctor orders when your total protein blood test result is abnormal (normal is 60-80 g / L).
The proteinogram uses the phenomenon of electrophoresis - proteins present in the blood are divided into fractions on the basis of their different speed in the electric field.
Blood for testing is taken on an empty stomach, which means that at least 12 hours should elapse from the last meal (also a small snack).
However, about half an hour before the test, it is good to drink a glass of water or unsweetened tea. We do not drink any juices, coffee, and do not chew gum or suck breath-freshening candies.
As for small children up to 3 years of age, blood is drawn about an hour after the last feeding.
The Proteinogram is not an expensive study. Its cost ranges from PLN 20-30 depending on the laboratory. However, it is worth knowing that this is a test reimbursed by the National He alth Fund, so you can ask your doctor for it.
Proteinogram - standards
There are five groups of proteins:
- albumin 35-30 g / l - which constitute 56-65% of total protein
- alpha1-globulins - 2-5% of total protein
- alpha2-globulins - 7-13% of total protein
- beta-globulins - 8-15% of total protein
- gamma-globulins - 11-22% of total protein
Proteinogram - incorrect result
If these values are abnormal (which vary slightly from lab to lab), there is something wrong in your body. Disorders can indicate liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, some kind of inflammation, and even cancer. More precisely:
1. Albumin are proteins produced by the liver. They are responsible for maintaining the oncotic pressure (oncotic pressure is a type of osmotic pressure exerted by a colloidal solution of proteins present in the blood plasma) of the plasma and blood volume, andfor the transport of certain hormones, drugs, bilirubin and fatty acids. They are also a source of amino acids for the synthesis of other proteins.
Disorders in albumin concentration can mean:
- growth - usually indicates dehydration
- decline - liver diseases, malnutrition, congenital defects in protein synthesis, loss of proteins in urine (i.e. kidney disease), body exuding fluids, blood, burns, malabsorption and digestion disorders (intestinal disease), cancer , hyperthyroidism, sepsis.
2. We divide alpha1-globulins into:
- alpha1-antitrypsin, responsible, inter alia, for the neutralization of pancreatic enzymes
A decrease in the concentration of this protein may, for example, cause prolonged jaundice in newborns or may lead to the development of emphysema.
The increase in the concentration of this protein may be caused by: pregnancy, inflammation, estrogen use, iron deficiency anemia.
- alpha1-acid glycoprotein
Its concentration increases in the course of: chronic inflammation, joint diseases, myocardial infarction
The decrease in its concentration is associated with: protein loss, pregnancy, liver damage, cachexia and malnutrition.
- alpha-lipoprotein (HDL)
- TBG - thyroxin binding protein
A decrease in the concentration of this protein may cause an overactive thyroid gland
3. Alpha2-globulins are divided into:
- alpha2-macroglobulin - a marker of acute pancreatitis
- haptoglobin - protecting the kidneys against the damaging effects of hemoglobin
Increased concentration of this protein occurs in inflammation and tissue damage.
A decrease in the concentration of this protein occurs in the case of massive hemolysis, liver diseases and after bleeding
- cerulozpllazminę - in. ferroxidase, i.e. a protein that transports copper and is responsible for the attachment of iron to transferrin
4. We divide beta-globulins into:
- transferrin - which transports iron to the bone marrow
A decrease in the concentration of this protein - occurs in the course of: malnutrition, liver damage, nephrotic syndrome, inflammation, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases
Increase in this protein concentration - accompanies the intake of estrogens and iron deficiency
- beta-lipoprotein (LDL)
- hemopexin - a blood plasma protein that binds heme formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin
- beta2-microglobulin
5. Gamma-globulins - mostly form immunoglobulins, i.e. antibodies that play an important role inthe body's defense reaction against viruses, bacteria and parasites. They include all classes of antibodies: IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE, IgD.
Increase in the concentration of this protein occurs at:
- chronic bacterial and parasitic inflammation
- rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis
- multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
- sarcoidozie
- bronchiectasis
A decrease in the concentration of this protein occurs at:
- congenital defects of their synthesis
- cancer and bone metastases
- using immunosuppressive drugs - glucocorticosteroids, cyclophosphamide
- nephrotic syndrome
- inflammatory bowel diseases
Marta Uler A journalist specializing in he alth, beauty and psychology. She is also a diet therapist by education. Her interests are medicine, herbal medicine, yoga, vegetarian cuisine and cats. I am a mother of two boys - a 10-year-old and a 6-month-old.
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