In the plasma of human blood there are many protein components. They are different in their composition, structure and mobility in a particular environment that conducts electric current. This is the basis for the separation of the total protein, which is localized in plasma, into various protein fractions. When conducting electrophoresis of blood serum, the quantitative ratio of individual protein components and structures is clarified. This is necessary to determine the presence of various pathological phenomena in a person, such as infections or oncology. It is the electrophoresis of serum proteins that is of great importance in the diagnosis of various diseases.
Method essence
For the breakdown of protein fractions, serum electrophoresis is used, the principle of which is based on different mobility of protein components in the created electric field. This research method is more accurate and informative, in contrast to the standard general blood test. But at the same time, electrophoresis shows only the amount of a certain fraction of the protein, the nature and degree of the pathological process in general form. An analysis of the studies allows medical specialists to find out exactly what the ratio of protein fractions is observed in the human body, and to determine the specificity of the pathology inherent in a particular disease.
Types of protein fractions
Proteins make up most of a person’s main body fluid, or blood. In total, their norm is in the range of 60-80 g / l. To obtain an accurate analysis, serum electrophoresis is performed on paper. This study is the most common method of analysis. The main medium is a special filter paper. Its main feature is high hygroscopicity. Such paper can absorb water 130-200 times more than its weight. Depending on the equipment used, paper electrophoresis lasts 4-16 hours. There is a division of protein structures. Then strips of paper are treated with special inks for analysis. This technique is the most common in the work of medical laboratories. Due to the effect of an electric current, negatively charged protein fractions move towards a positively charged electrode. Due to this, the protein components of the blood are divided into 5 known fractions:
- Albumin
- α 1 is globulin;
- α 2 - globulin;
- β is globulin;
- γ-globulin.
Albumins are negatively charged, have a small molecular weight compared to other fractions. Due to this, the speed of their movement is much higher than that of the other fractions, and they are localized farthest from the start site. The first three fractions of globulin move at a lower speed due to their mass. But the smallest speed is recorded 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 shift from the start line.
Need to use
Currently, serum electrophoresis is a frequently performed analysis to make an accurate diagnosis of the disease. This analysis can be prescribed by both therapists and doctors with a narrow profile. Indications for research will be:
- various inflammations;
- diseases of a chronic nature;
- pathological processes in the connective tissue;
- internal bleeding;
- malignant neoplasms.
Preparing for the test
In order for the obtained results of the behavioral studies to be correct, at least 8 hours before the blood donation, it is necessary to refuse to take food. In addition, it is necessary to coordinate the administration of medicines, if any, with your doctor.
Blood sampling
In order for the results not to be overestimated by mistake, it is necessary to minimize the possibility of blood coagulation to determine the indicator of protein fractions and total protein. Electrophoresis of blood serum is carried out carefully, since there is a likelihood of distortion of the results due to fibrinogen. He can hide abnormal proteins or be confused with them.
Normal values
Within a day after the delivery of the sample, an analysis of serum protein electrophoresis will be ready. The norm of the obtained indicators by categories in adults:
- Total protein - 63-82 g / l.
- Albumin - 40-60% of the total number of fractions.
- α 1 -globulins - 2-5%.
- α 2 -globulins - 7-13%.
- β-globulins - 8-15%
- γ-globulins - 12-22%.
The need for analysis
A 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 serum proteins is necessary. Deciphering the results will make it easier for medical specialists to make a diagnosis and choose a treatment.
Increased 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 digestive disorders. Also, an increase in albumin occurs with burns of a large area of the skin.
Albumin Reduction
It is much more dangerous if the amount of albumin in the body decreases, this can indicate the following pathologies:
- Damage to the kidneys and liver.
- Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Infectious processes.
- Disorders in the activity of the cardiovascular system.
- Bleeding.
- Malignant neoplasms.
- Sepsis.
- Rheumatism.
A slight decrease in the amount of albumin may also be:
- The expectant mothers.
- If the dose of drugs is exceeded.
- With prolonged fever.
- At heavy smokers.
Change in the number of α1-globulins
A decrease in the number of a1-globulins is recorded with a deficiency of α 1 -antitripsin. An increase is noted with exacerbation of inflammation in the body, disorders in the liver, with tissue decay.
Decrease in α2-globulins
It is registered for diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes in the pancreas, in newborns with jaundice, and for hepatitis of toxic origin. It also testifies to improper, unbalanced nutrition.
The increase in α2-globulins
Occurs in the presence of the following diseases:
- Inflammation, especially with the presence of purulent exudate (pneumonia and other processes with the presence of pus).
- Connective tissue lesions (e.g. rheumatism).
- Malignant neoplasms.
- Recovery periods after burns.
- Damage to the kidneys.
In addition, this phenomenon is characteristic of in vitro hemolysis during the study.
The increase in β-globulins
It manifests itself with hyperlipoproteinemia (an increase in the number of lipids in the blood), liver and kidney pathologies. It can be detected with an open stomach ulcer, as well as hypothyroidism (a violation of the thyroid gland). A decrease in the fraction is recorded with hypobetalipoproteinemia (an increase in the blood component of betalipoprotein).
Changes in the γ-globulin fraction
This fraction includes immunoglobulins. Therefore, an increase in γ-globulins is recorded in case of malfunctions in the immune system. 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 characteristic of cirrhosis. With advanced cases of this disease, the amount of protein fraction of γ-globulins is significantly higher than the albumin index. In certain diseases, malfunctions in the formation of γ-globulins can occur, and the development of altered proteins in the blood, paraproteins, occurs. To clarify the nature of this development, an additional study is performed - immunoelectrophoresis. This picture is characteristic of myeloma and Waldenstrom pathology.
An increase in the number of γ-globulins is also inherent in the following pathologies:
- lupus erythematosus;
- endothelioma;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- osteosarcoma;
- chronic form of lymphocytic leukemia;
- candidomycosis.
Reduction in the number of γ-globulins
The decrease in γ-globulins is divided into 3 types:
- Physiological (characteristic of children aged three to five months).
- Congenital (develops from the moment of birth).
- Idiopathic (when the cause of development cannot be established).
A secondary decrease is recorded with 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 number of prealbumin. Typically, such a study is carried out by patients in intensive care.
Reducing the number of prealbumin is a very important and accurate test to determine the deficiency of protein structures in the patient's body. When analyzing prealbumins, they correct protein metabolism in such patients.
Urine Electrophoresis
The principle of conducting such an analysis is similar to the technology for performing electrophoresis of blood serum. Conduct it for a more accurate diagnosis or detection of other pathologies. In addition, such an analysis will help to identify the presence of proteinuria in the patient.
Conclusion
Electrophoresis of blood serum and urine are important methods in the diagnosis of various infectious diseases. Thanks to the research technique and high accuracy, they help determine the type of pathology. An accurate diagnosis is the right way to the right treatment and complete recovery.