[W6] Clinically Important Proteins Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the most abundant plasma protein?
Albumin
Where are most plasma proteins synthesised?
In the liver
What factors affect plasma protein levels?
Production/removal rate, distribution volume, vascular leakiness
What are the main functions of albumin?
Oncotic pressure maintenance, transport of hormones, calcium, drugs
What causes low albumin?
Liver disease, malnutrition, inflammation, nephrotic syndrome
What is the main cause of raised albumin?
Dehydration
What does transferrin transport?
Iron (Fe³⁺)
What is ferritin used to assess?
Iron stores
What is seen in iron deficiency?
↓ iron, ↑ transferrin, ↓ ferritin, ↓ saturation
What condition causes iron overload?
Hereditary haemochromatosis
What is caeruloplasmin?
A protein that transports copper
What condition is associated with low caeruloplasmin?
Wilson’s disease
What enzyme rises in pancreatitis?
Amylase and lipase
What enzyme rises in liver damage?
ALT
What enzyme indicates muscle damage?
CK (Creatine kinase)
What enzyme is part of liver and bone profiles?
ALP (Alkaline phosphatase)
What does α1-antitrypsin do?
Inhibits proteases to prevent tissue damage
What happens in α1-antitrypsin deficiency?
Lung disease and liver damage
What does CRP indicate?
Acute inflammation, especially bacterial
What is a high CRP level?
> 40 mg/L (bacterial)
What is procalcitonin used for?
Differentiating bacterial vs viral infection
What is microalbuminuria?
Low-level albuminuria, early marker of nephropathy
What test detects microalbuminuria?
Albumin:Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
What is a sign of nephrotic syndrome?
> 3 g/day protein in urine
