There are many protein components in the human blood plasma. They are different in their composition, structure and mobility in a certain medium that conducts electric current. This is the basis for the division of the total protein, which is localized in the plasma, into various protein fractions. During 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 the diagnosis of various diseases.
Method Essence
For the splitting of 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 andinformative, in contrast to the standard complete blood count. But at the same time, electrophoresis shows only the amount of a certain protein fraction, the nature and degree of the pathological process in a general form. An analysis of the studies performed allows medical specialists to find out exactly what ratio of protein fractions is observed in the human body, and to determine the specifics of the pathology inherent in a particular disease.
Types of protein fractions
Most of the body's basic body 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 on paper is performed. This study is the most common way of analysis. The main medium is a special filter paper. Its main feature is high hygroscopicity. Such paper can absorb water more than its weight by 130-200 times. Depending on the equipment used, electrophoresis on paper lasts 4-16 hours. There is a division of protein structures. The strips of paper are then treated with special inks to obtain an analysis. This technique is the most common in the work of medical laboratories. Due to the action of an electric current, negatively charged protein fractions move towards the positively charged electrode. Due to this, the protein components of the blood are divided into 5 known fractions:
- albumins;
- α1 –globulin;
- α2 –globulin;
- β – globulin;
- γ-globulin.
Albumins are negatively charged, have a small, compared with other fractions, molecular weight. Due to this, their movement speed is much higher than that of other factions, and they are located farthest from the starting area. The first three globulin fractions move at a slower speed due to their mass. But the smallest speed is registered in γ-globulins. These proteins have a large mass and large, relative to others, sizes. Their charge is almost neutral, so this protein fraction practically does not move from the start line.
Need to use
Currently, serum electrophoresis is a frequently performed test to make an accurate diagnosis of the disease. This analysis can be prescribed by both therapists and narrow profile doctors. Research indications will be:
- various inflammations;
- chronic diseases;
- pathological processes in the connective tissue;
- internal bleeding;
- malignant neoplasms.
Preparing for the test
In order for the results of behavioral studies to be correct, at least 8 hours before donating blood, you must stop eating. In addition, it is necessary to coordinate the intake of medicines, if any, with the attending physician.
Blood sampling
In order for the results not to be mistakenly high, it is necessary to minimize the possibility of blood clotting to determine the indicatorprotein fractions and total protein. Serum electrophoresis is carried out carefully, since there is a possibility of distorting the results due to fibrinogen. It can hide abnormal proteins or be confused with them.
Normal values
Within 24 hours after the sample is taken, an analysis for electrophoresis of blood serum proteins will be ready. The norm of the obtained indicators by category in adults:
- Total protein - 63-82 g/l.
- Albumins - 40-60% of the total number of fractions.
- α1-globulins – 2-5%.
- α2-globulins – 7-13%.
- β-globulins – 8-15%
- γ-globulins - 12-22%.
Need for analysis
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 blood serum proteins is necessary. Deciphering the results will make it easier for medical professionals to make a diagnosis and choose a treatment.
Increase in albumin
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 disorders in the digestive system. Also, an increase in albumin occurs with burns of a large area of the skin.
Decreased albumin
It is much more dangerous if the amount of albumin in the body decreases, this may indicate the following pathologies:
- Kidney and liver damage.
- Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Infectious processes.
- Disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system.
- Bleeding.
- Malignant neoplasms.
- Sepsis.
- Rheumatism.
Slight decrease in albumin can also be:
- For future mothers.
- When the dose of drugs is exceeded.
- For prolonged fever.
- Heavy smokers.
Change in the number of α1-globulins
A decrease in the number of a1-globulins is registered with a lack of α1-antitrypsin. An increase is noted with exacerbation of inflammation in the body, disorders in the liver, with tissue decay.
Decrease in α2-globulins
Register it for diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes in the pancreas, in newborns with jaundice, with hepatitis of toxic origin. It also indicates an improper, unbalanced diet.
Increase in α2-globulins
Occurs when the following diseases are present:
- Inflammation, especially with the presence of purulent exudate (pneumonia and other processes with the presence of pus).
- Connective tissue disorders (e.g. rheumatism).
- Malignantneoplasms.
- Recovery periods after burns.
- Kidney damage.
In addition, this phenomenon is typical for hemolysis of blood in a test tube during the study.
Increase in β-globulins
Manifested with hyperlipoproteinemia (an increase in the amount of lipids in the blood), pathologies of the liver and kidneys. It can be found with an open stomach ulcer, as well as hypothyroidism (disruption 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 fraction of γ-globulins
This fraction includes immunoglobulins. Therefore, an increase in γ-globulins is recorded in case of failures in immunity. This usually occurs with various infections, the development of the inflammatory process, tissue changes and burn lesions. The growth of γ-globulins is noted in patients with chronic hepatitis. Almost the same picture is typical for cirrhosis of the liver. In advanced cases of this disease, the amount of the protein fraction of γ-globulins is significantly higher than the albumin index. In certain diseases, there may be malfunctions in the formation of γ-globulins, and the development of altered proteins in the blood - paraproteins. To clarify the nature of this development, an additional study is performed - immunoelectrophoresis. This pattern is typical for multiple myeloma and Waldenström's pathology.
An increase in the number of γ-globulins is also inherentthe following pathologies:
- lupus erythematosus;
- endothelioma;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- osteosarcoma;
- chronic form of lymphocytic leukemia;
- candidomycosis.
Decrease in γ-globulins
Decrease in γ-globulins is divided into 3 types:
- Physiological (typical for babies aged three to five months).
- Congenital (develops from birth).
- Idiopathic (when the cause cannot be determined).
Secondary decline is recorded in 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 carried out on patients in intensive care.
Reducing the amount of prealbumin is a very important and accurate test for determining the insufficiency of protein structures in the patient's body. When analyzing prealbumins, the protein metabolism is corrected in such patients.
Urine electrophoresis
The principle of such an analysis is similar to the technology of performing electrophoresis of blood serum. It is carried out for a more accurate diagnosis or detection of other pathologies. In addition, such an analysis will help to identify the presence of proteinuria in a patient.
Conclusion
Electrophoresis of blood serum and urine are important methods in the diagnosis of various infectious diseases. Thanks to the methodologyresearch and high accuracy, they help to determine the type of pathology. Accurate diagnosis is the right path to proper treatment and full recovery.
