In the article, we will consider what it means when alpha-1-globulin is elevated.
In biochemical analysis, a common protein is a protein mixture that is present in serum (plasma). Meanwhile, if albumin functions and structure are more or less homogeneous, then globulins significantly differ from each other both in quantitative content, and in structure, and in functional purpose.
Five fractions
Globulins are found in blood in the form of five such fractions as: alpha-1 (Ξ± 1 ), alpha-2 (Ξ± 2 ), beta-1 (Ξ² 1 ), beta-2 (Ξ² 2 ), gamma (Ξ³). But due to the lack of specific clinical significance, most often beta-1 and 2 globulins are not separated, therefore usually they simply mean the Ξ²-fraction of globulins without their difference.
It often happens that in the blood plasma the total protein is normal, and the proportions of the protein fractions change. Thanks to such changes, it is possible to determine violations of the body and the effectiveness of therapy.
Elevated alpha-1-globulins are quite common.
Definition and Functions
Globulin is a blood protein that is significant for regulating the functioning of the human body. What is the purpose of globulin?
Its main functions are:
- transportation of vitamins, hormones and other substances;
- adjustment of blood coagulability;
- body protection against bacteria, viruses, foreign proteins, toxins, the development of antibodies to them;
- the binding of sex hormones, carbohydrates, drugs and other substances.
When do deviations occur?
The content of globulins can deviate from the norm in the following cases:
- inflammation process;
- impaired functioning of the kidneys, liver, endocrine system and lungs;
- hormonal changes;
- oncological pathology;
- chemical or physical organ disorders;
- advanced age (the content of globulins can be increased in men);
- HIV infection.
Regulation of the number of globulins is carried out by sex hormones: androgens decrease their level, and estrogens, on the contrary, increase. In women, respectively, globulins are contained in the blood in larger quantities compared to men.
When alpha-1-globulins are elevated, causes must be identified.
Features of alpha globulins
Alpha-globulins are charged identical to albumin, but they are larger in size. If the inflammation develops in the human body, their number rises sharply. Therefore, alpha proteins are acute phase proteins, which is caused by their qualitative content.
The following components are contained in alpha-1-globulins:
- alpha-1-antitrypsin, producing proteolytic enzymes;
- prothrombin, responsible for blood coagulation;
- alpha-acid-glycoprotein, which helps to reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process;
- alpha-1-lipoproteins transporting lipids to tissue cells;
- transcortin is a globulin responsible for the transport of cortisol;
- thyroxin-binding protein that finds thyroxin in the blood (a protein produced by the thyroid gland) and delivers it to the desired cells in the body.
Alpha-2-globulins have the following components:
- Alpha-2-macroglobulin, responsible for the body's immune response; begins to act actively with the development of an inflammatory reaction in the body or infection in it.
- Glycoprotein - is a haptoglobulin, represented by a bundle with hemoglobin. When red blood cells are destroyed, the degree of free haptoglobulin rises.
- Apolipoprotein B, which carries the molecules of "bad" cholesterol on itself.
- Ceruloplasmin is a metalloglycoprotein that is responsible for transporting copper to tissue cells from the blood. This component of alpha-2-globulin is an antioxidant, takes part in the oxidation of norepinephrine, vitamin C, serotonin and other substances.
Alpha-globulins are produced by hepatocytes. In the body, their number increases against stress, inflammation, trauma, an allergic reaction. Therefore, such proteins are called acute phase.
Liver cells are produced by both alpha-1 and alpha-2-globulins, which are also acute phase proteins, thus, in inflammatory and destructive processes, allergies, traumatic tissue pathologies, in stressful situations, the body begins to more actively isolate and synthesize such proteins.
In which cases there are increased globulins alpha-1 and alpha-2, many are interested.
Grounds for analysis
A study that allows you to calculate the number of protein fractions in the blood is called a proteinogram. The doctor, as a rule, wants to detect the level of albumin and globulins (their breakdown occurs in an alkaline or salt medium).
In the blood there are groups of proteins that differ in function, type and properties. These are globulins. Such a common name includes substances in the form of balls - globules. As you know, proteins are a building material for cells, and they, in turn, are composed of amino acids. Among the protein fractions, alpha globulins, beta globulins and gamma globulins should be noted. Substances of the first group, in particular, are thoroughly examined.
The need for testing this fraction is due to the presence of:
- urinary protein formations;
- changes in total albumin and protein;
- erythrocytes and leukocytes in less quantity than necessary;
- autoimmune pathology;
- manifestations of inflammation;
- symptoms of multiple myeloma;
- hepatic or renal lesions.
So why is alpha-1-globulin elevated?
The value of the norm, the reasons for the high content
The number of alpha-1-globulins varies normally from 3 to 6%, that is, from 1 to 3 grams per liter. Alpha-1-globulins include:
- antichymotrypsin alpha-1;
- lipoprotein alpha-1;
- fetoprotein alpha-1;
- antitrypsin alpha-1;
- glycoprotein alpha-1.
These substances are also referred to as acute phase proteins: their production occurs in increased quantities with various kinds of organ disorders (physical or chemical), with bacterial and viral infections. Thanks to them, tissue damage is stopped in the future, pathogenic microorganisms cannot multiply.
Sometimes alpha-1-globulin is increased with:
- bacterial and viral infections;
- chronic and acute inflammation;
- skin damage (trauma, burn);
- malignant tumors;
- hormonal changes (pregnancy, steroid treatment);
- poisoning;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- arthritis;
- elevated body temperature;
- malformations of the baby in the womb or his death;
- multiple pregnancy.
The concentration of alpha-1-globulins decreases when work is disrupted:
- liver (cancer, cirrhosis);
- kidney (nephrotic syndrome);
- lungs (emphysema);
- testicles (oncology) or tumors of other organs.
Alpha-2-globulin rate and abnormalities
The normal value is the limit of 9-15% (6-10 grams per liter).
Their number increases with:
- tissue damage (injuries, burns);
- liver damage (hepatitis, cirrhosis);
- tissue necrosis (death);
- inflammation
- malignant tumors with metastases;
- hormonal changes (pregnancy, steroid treatment);
- endocrine pathologies (myxedema, diabetes mellitus);
- jaundice
- impaired renal activity (nephrotic syndrome);
- autoimmune disease.
The content of alpha-2-globulins may decrease with:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- insufficient concentration of protein in food;
- anemia;
- intestinal absorption defects;
- insufficiently good diet;
- gastrointestinal diseases.
Deviations from the norm: doctor consultation and correction
If alpha-1-globulin is elevated in a blood test, you should not panic.
The interpretation of changes in the proportion of protein fractions is one of the steps in determining the diagnosis. At the same time, the content of alpha globulins in the blood is not an independent sign of diagnosis.
Deviation of the composition of the human body protein from the norm is characteristic of many diseases. For example, in acute inflammation, the content of the acute phase of proteins increases: alpha-globulins (acidic glycoprotein, haptoglobin, alpha1-antitrypsin), fibrinogen and C-reactive protein.
A change in blood acute-phase values ββis noted in the inflammatory process of different organs: pancreas, gall bladder, lungs, etc.
That is, if alpha-1-globulins are elevated, the causes can be very different.
In the process of diagnosis, the specialist compares the results of a study of the concentration of alpha globulins 1 and 2 with the symptoms and indicators of other studies. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the disease that causes the protein content to deviate from the norm.
Alpha-1-globulin elevated in a child
The content of protein fractions in children has differences depending on their age:
- after the birth of the baby in the first week, the level of albumin ranges from 32.5-40.7 g / l; alpha-1 level - 1.2-4.2 g / l; indicators of alpha-2 - 6.8-11.2 g / l;
- a baby aged from a week to a year: the level of albumin is 33.6-42.0; alpha-1 - 1.24-4.3; alpha-2 level - 7.1-11.5;
- from one to five: albumin - 33.6-43.0; level alpha-1 - 2.0-4.6; alpha-2 level - 7.0-13.0;
- from five to eight years: albumin - 33.0-47.1; level alpha-1 - 2.0-4.2; alpha-2 - 8.0-11.1;
- from eight to eleven years: albumin level - 40.6-45.6; alpha-1 level - 2.2-3.9; alpha-2 level - 7.5-10.3;
- from eleven to twenty one years: albumin - 38.9-46.0; alpha-1 - 2.3-5.3; alpha-2 - 7.3-10.5.
Significance of a blood globulin study
Analysis of different protein fractions makes it possible to make a more correct diagnosis.
If alpha-2 and alpha-1-globulins are elevated in the blood, we can talk about an acute inflammation reaction. In this case, we can talk about a viral infection concentrated in the kidneys, heart, bronchi or lungs. Their jump is also noted with the development of a tumor in the body or after receiving a severe injury. Surgical interventions lead to an increase in the content of alpha globulins.
The ratio of the indicators of protein fractions indicates intestinal pathologies and exhaustion of the body. In addition, such a laboratory test detects hidden infections and is used to control treatment.
We examined why sometimes alpha-1-globulin is elevated in a blood test.