- What is it for
- How is done
- How to understand the result
- Albumin
- Alpha-1-globulin
- Alpha-2-globulin
- Beta-1-globulin
- Beta-2-globulin
- Gamma-globulin
Protein electrophoresis is an exam requested by the doctor with the aim of investigating diseases that can lead to changes in the amount of proteins circulating in the blood, being considered one of the main exams requested for investigation and diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
This examination is done from a blood sample, which undergoes a centrifugation process to obtain blood plasma, in which proteins are found. These proteins then undergo a separation process according to their electrical charge and molecular weight, leading to the formation of a band pattern and, subsequently, a graph that is fundamental for the interpretation of the examination by the doctor.
The proteins that are evaluated in this exam are important for the proper functioning of the organism, since they act on the immune system, in the coagulation process and metabolic reactions, in addition to being able to carry some molecules to their site of action. Thus, changes in their concentrations can be indicative of diseases. Among the evaluated proteins are albumin, alpha-glycoproteins, beta-glycoproteins and gamma-glycoproteins.
What is it for
Protein electrophoresis is requested by the doctor to check the amount of proteins in the body and, thus, investigate possible changes and diseases, being able to start treatment early, if this is the case. Some of the situations in which the doctor may order and protein electrophoresis is when there are signs and symptoms suggestive of:
- Dehydration; Multiple myeloma; Inflammation; Cirrhosis; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Hypertension; Ascites; Glomerulonephritis; Cushing's Syndrome; Emphysema; Liver diseases; Anemia; Pancreatitis.
In addition to these situations, this test may be requested when the person is undergoing estrogen treatment or when she is pregnant, as in these situations there may be changes in protein levels, it is important to check the altered protein and adopt measures and to reverse the situation.
How is done
Protein electrophoresis is done by collecting a blood sample from the person by a trained professional and no preparation is necessary. The sample obtained is sent to the laboratory so that there is a separation between the red blood cells and the plasma. In some situations, a 24-hour urine collection can be performed to check the amount of protein released into the urine during the day, which is more requested by the doctor when kidney problems are suspected.
The plasma is then placed in an agarose gel or cellulose acetate together with a dye and the marker for each of the proteins and then an electric current is applied in order to stimulate the separation of proteins according to their electrical potential., size and molecular weight. After separation, the proteins can be visualized by means of a band pattern, indicating the presence or absence of the proteins.
Then, these proteins are quantified in a specific device, called a densitometer, in which the concentration of proteins in the blood is checked, indicating in the report the percentage value and absolute value of each protein fraction, in addition to a graph, which is important for better understanding by the doctor and the patient of the test result.
How to understand the result
The result of the protein electrophoresis test must be interpreted by the doctor, who assesses the absolute and relative value of the proteins, in addition to the graph that is released in the report.
In the result, the protein fractions are indicated, that is, the values found for albumin, alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin, beta-1-globulin, beta-2-globulin and gamma-globulin. Regarding the band pattern, it is usually not released in the report, remaining only in the laboratory and available to the doctor.
Albumin
Albumin is the plasma protein present in greater quantities and is produced in the liver, performing various functions, such as transporting hormones, vitamins and nutrients, regulating pH and osmotic control of the body. The synthesis of albumin in the liver is dependent on the person's nutritional status, amount of circulating hormones and blood pH. Thus, the amount of albumin in protein electrophoresis shows the person's general nutritional status and allows to identify possible changes in the liver or kidneys.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary according to the laboratory): 4.01 to 4.78 g / dL; 55.8 to 66.1%
Increased albumin: The increase in albumin levels occurs mainly as a result of dehydration, but not because there has been an increase in the production of this protein, but because the amount of water is less and, consequently, the blood volume, therefore, lower levels are verified. high albumin.
Albumin decrease: Albumin is considered an acute negative phase protein, that is, in situations of inflammation, there is a decrease in albumin levels. Thus, the decrease in albumin can happen in cases of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, edema, ascites, nutritional deficiencies and cirrhosis, in which the liver is compromised and the albumin synthesis becomes impaired.
Learn more about albumin.
Alpha-1-globulin
The alpha-1-globulin fraction consists of several proteins, the main ones being alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGA) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). AGA participates in the formation of collagen fibers and is responsible for inhibiting the activity of viruses and parasites, therefore having a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Like AGA, AAT also has great importance in the immune system.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary according to the laboratory): 0.22 to 0.41 g / dL; 2.9 to 4.9%
Increase in alpha-1-globulin: The increase in proteins in this fraction occurs mainly due to inflammation and infections. Thus, high levels of alpha-1-globulin may indicate neoplasms, Cushing's syndrome, arthritis, pregnancy and vasculitis, in addition to being able to increase as a result of therapy with estrogens or corticosteroids.
Decrease in alpha-1-globulin: The decrease may occur as a consequence of nephrotic syndrome, severe liver disease, emphysema, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Alpha-2-globulin
The alpha-2-globulin fraction is made up of three main proteins: ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobin (hpt) and macroglobulin (AMG), whose concentrations may increase as a result of inflammatory and infectious processes.
Ceruloplasmin is a protein synthesized by the liver and has a large amount of copper in its composition, which allows it to perform some reactions in the body. In addition, CER is important in the process of incorporating iron into transferrin, which is the protein responsible for transporting iron in the body. Although it is also considered an acute phase protein, CER levels are slow to rise.
Haptoglobin is responsible for binding to circulating hemoglobin and, thus, promoting its degradation and elimination from circulation. Macroglobulin is one of the largest plasma proteins and is responsible for regulating inflammatory and immunological reactions, in addition to transporting simpler proteins, peptides, and regulating the synthesis of plasma proteins by the liver.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary according to the laboratory): 0.58 to 0.92 g / dL; 7.1 to 11.8%
Increase in alpha-2-globulin: The increase in proteins in this fraction may be indicative of nephrotic syndrome, Wilson's disease, liver degeneration, disseminated intravascular coagulation and cerebral infarction, in addition to being able to increase due to estrogen therapy.
Decrease in alpha-2-globulin: The decrease in levels of this protein can happen due to hemolytic anemias, pancreatitis and lung diseases.
Beta-1-globulin
Transferrin is the main protein in the beta-1-globulin fraction and is responsible for transporting iron to the various locations in the body. In addition to the amount that can be checked in protein electrophoresis, the concentration of transferrin in the blood can be checked in a normal blood test. Know the transferrin exam.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary according to the laboratory): 0.36 to 0.52 g / dL; 4.9 to 7.2%
Increase in beta-1-globulin: The increase occurs in cases of iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, jaundice, hypothyroidism and diabetes.
Decrease in beta-1-globulin: The decrease in this fraction of proteins is not very frequent, however it can be observed in chronic processes.
Beta-2-globulin
In this fraction there are two main proteins, beta-2-microglobulin (BMG) and C-reactive protein (PCR). BMG is a marker of cellular activity, being important for detecting lymphocytic tumors, for example, in addition to being able to be used in clinical practice with the aim of accompanying the cancer patient, in order to verify if the treatment is being effective. CRP is a very important protein in the identification of infections and inflammations, since it is the one that most changes in its levels.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary according to the laboratory): 0.22 to 0.45 g / dL; 3.1 to 6.1%
Increase of beta-2-globulin: The increase can happen in the case of diseases related to lymphocytes, inflammation and infections.
Decrease in beta-2-globulin: The decrease may be due to liver problems, which prevents the synthesis of these proteins.
Gamma-globulin
In this fraction of protein electrophoresis are found immunoglobulins, which are the proteins responsible for the defense of the organism. Understand how the immune system works.
Reference value for electrophoresis (may vary according to the laboratory): 0.72 to 1.27 g / dL; 11.1 to 18.8%
Gamma-globulin increase : The increase in gamma-globulin fraction proteins occurs in the face of infections, inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, there may be an increase in the case of lymphoma, cirrhosis and multiple myeloma.
Gamma-globulin decrease: Normally, immunoglobulin levels are decreased when there is a deficiency in the immune system due to chronic diseases, for example.
