The normal urinary protein content is the presence of a whey protein fraction, which is filtered through the walls of the capillaries in the kidneys. Normally, the indicator should not exceed 0.002 g / l if you pass a routine test in the morning. For a day, 50-150 mg of protein in the urine is the norm. But its excess and increased protein in the urine, the causes of such deviations should be carefully examined in the clinic, especially if the protein is elevated in a pregnant woman.
The mechanism of the process, in which there is an increase in the amount of protein passed through the basement membrane of the kidneys, is quite complicated. Hyaluronidase takes part in it. This enzyme, along with other functions, breaks down mucopolysaccharides in blood serum. An increase in its activity enhances the permeability of the walls of the capillaries and the permeability of the membrane, which begins to pass protein molecules.
When protein appears in the urine, the causes can be true (renal) and false (extrarenal). The falsity or truth of the disease, its belonging to a temporary or chronic process can only be established by doctors.
Why protein in urine
The basis for the synthesis of proteins in the human body is gene information. It exists in human genes in encoded form. The complex chain of transportation, synthesis, relay and a certain sequence of these processes leads to the correct existence and functioning of proteins in the body. Violation at one stage of a complex chain of successive conversions of the protein into energy, which regulates and organizes their work, leads to the appearance of protein in the urine.
The causes of such a violation can be caused by temporary or stable factors, caused by a disorder of any function in the body. It is impossible to give an exhaustive answer to the question of why protein in the urine, without conducting comprehensive examinations.
Renal circulation disorders can contribute to an increase in protein levels:
- abnormalities in the development of the renal vein;
- changes due to toxic effects on the walls of the capillaries in the kidneys;
- change under the influence of drugs (immoderate or unskilled reception);
- disturbances in the activity of the tubules of the kidneys;
- hereditary and congenital diseases.
If protein is present in the urine for a long enough time, the causes can be in various diseases of the body, such as diseases of the digestive system, severe forms of anemia, the effects of burns, injuries, hypothermia, physical exertion or a background of experiencing strong emotions. In this case, the disease is temporary, along with the elimination of the cause, protein leaves the urine.
The constant (or long-term) presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria) indicates kidney disease even when there are no other symptoms.
Possible causes of protein in the urine
- glomerulonephritis disease;
- glomerulosclerosis due to diabetes;
- thrombosis in the vessels of the kidneys;
- the presence of a stagnant kidney;
- urolithiasis and others.
Diagnosis and treatment
The norm of protein in urine is considered to be its content of not more than 50 - 150 mg / day. Diagnosed the amount of protein is simple. This is usually detected by taking a urine test. During the day, urine is collected by a certain method. The analysis is repeated in order to avoid the randomness factor, which can change the picture of the collected results.
In order to exclude accident when taking tests, monitor the cleanliness of the dishes and thoroughly wash the external genitals. In addition to standard urinalysis, electron microscopy of the kidneys can be performed to help check for abnormalities in the basement membrane, an increase in the number of pores and their size.
Especially closely monitor the level of protein in the urine of pregnant women, since renal function is complicated by a growing uterus and an increase in the load on the body as a whole and on the kidneys in particular. The rate is reduced and should not be more than 0.14 g / l (in the analysis form).
Treatment of a complex disease associated with impaired renal activity (or another case of a disease diagnosed by doctors) can be carried out only in a clinic.