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Questions and Answers
What can examination of proteins in plasma provide information about?
What can examination of proteins in plasma provide information about?
Disease states in many different organ systems.
Which of the following methods is NOT used to quantitate and fractionate proteins?
Which of the following methods is NOT used to quantitate and fractionate proteins?
The primary structure of a protein refers to its three-dimensional shape.
The primary structure of a protein refers to its three-dimensional shape.
False
What is the Biuret method used for?
What is the Biuret method used for?
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What is the major clinical use of serum and urine protein electrophoresis?
What is the major clinical use of serum and urine protein electrophoresis?
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Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) involves applying different antisera to the gel after electrophoresis.
Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) involves applying different antisera to the gel after electrophoresis.
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What roles do proteins in plasma play?
What roles do proteins in plasma play?
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The most abundant serum protein is _____ which is synthesized in the liver.
The most abundant serum protein is _____ which is synthesized in the liver.
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What occurs simultaneously with lowering of albumin in protein-losing states?
What occurs simultaneously with lowering of albumin in protein-losing states?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Protein and Measurement
- Examination of plasma proteins provides insights into various disease states across organ systems.
- Total protein measurement serves as a general health indicator, highlighting nutrition and organ disease conditions.
- Further protein fractionation yields more diagnostic information compared to total protein alone.
Structure of Proteins
- Primary protein structure is the linear amino acid sequence influencing its folding and molecular identity.
- Secondary and tertiary structures are shaped by amino acid side groups interaction with other molecules.
Methods of Protein Quantification
- Various techniques include turbidimetry, colorimetry, absorption spectrophotometry, dye binding, column chromatography, electrophoresis, and immunoassays.
- The Biuret method:
- Colorimetric technique forming a purple complex with proteins/peptides.
- Minimal interferences, with detection limits down to 10-15 mg/dL.
- Nephelometry measures turbidity from the precipitation of antibody-protein complexes in serum.
Total Serum Protein Components
- Major components are Albumin and Globulin, determined through the A/G ratio.
- Low albumin levels can indicate:
- Decreased synthesis due to malnutrition, malabsorption, or liver failure.
- Increased loss from conditions like proteinuria.
- Increased globulin levels are commonly seen in acute or chronic disease responses.
Protein Electrophoresis
- Proteins are separated based on electrical charges at pH 8.6, with most showing a net negative charge.
- Endosmosis can affect the movement of proteins, notably γ globulins moving towards the cathode.
- Capillary zone electrophoresis offers higher resolution than traditional gel electrophoresis.
Clinical Uses of Protein Electrophoresis
- Primarily used to screen for monoclonal gammopathies.
- Characteristic patterns in serum and urine can indicate changes in synthetic rates, losses, or inflammatory states.
Immunofixation and Immunotyping
- Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and immunotyping are used to characterize monoclonal bands in serum.
- IFE involves serum application in wells followed by the addition of antisera to identify specific immunoglobulin types.
- Immunotyping is often combined with capillary electrophoresis for enhanced analysis.
Major Plasma Proteins and Their Functions
- Key proteins influencing electrophoretic patterns include:
- Albumin, α1-antitrypsin, α2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, β-lipoprotein, transferrin, complement C3, fibrinogen, immunoglobulins.
- Minor proteins like ceruloplasmin, C-reactive protein, and prealbumin have diagnostic significance.
- Hereditary deficiencies (e.g., α1-antitrypsin deficiency) can lead to significant health issues.
Role of Proteins in Plasma
- Proteins maintain oncotic pressure, transport small molecules, and regulate inflammatory responses.
- Albumin is the most abundant serum protein, essential for:
- Interpreting calcium and magnesium levels due to its binding properties.
- Assessing hepatic synthetic function and nutritional status.
- Congenital absence of albumin leads to mild edema and hyperlipidemia.
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Description
This quiz delves into the role of protein electrophoresis in clinical pathology, exploring how plasma protein examination can indicate various disease states. Understand the significance of total protein measurements and their implications on health and nutrition.
