Plasma protein
Plasma proteins, also known as serum proteins or blood proteins, are proteins present in blood plasma. They serve many different functions, including transport of lipids, hormones, vitamins, and minerals in activity and functioning of the immune system. Other blood proteins act as enzymes, complement components, protease inhibitors or kinin precursors.
Functions[edit | edit source]
Plasma proteins perform a wide range of functions and are critical for normal body function. Some of the key functions include:
- Transport proteins: These proteins, such as albumin and globulins, transport various substances, such as hormones, vitamins, and lipids, throughout the body.
- Immunoglobulins: Also known as antibodies, these proteins are produced by the immune system to fight off infections.
- Clotting factors: These proteins, including fibrinogen and prothrombin, are essential for the blood clotting process.
- Enzymes: Some plasma proteins act as enzymes, speeding up chemical reactions in the body.
- Complement system proteins: These proteins are part of the immune system and help or complement the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism.
Types of Plasma Proteins[edit | edit source]
There are three main types of plasma proteins: albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen.
- Albumin: This is the most abundant plasma protein and is primarily responsible for maintaining the oncotic pressure of blood.
- Globulins: These are a group of proteins that include the immunoglobulins (antibodies) and various transport proteins.
- Fibrinogen: This protein is involved in the clotting of blood.
Measurement and Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
The levels of plasma proteins can be measured in a blood sample. Abnormal levels can indicate a variety of conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, and malnutrition. In addition, certain types of cancer can cause elevated levels of specific plasma proteins.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Plasma protein Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
