Protein levels in the blood increase. Protein in the blood

Total protein– an organic polymer made up of various amino acids. The level of total protein is the most important laboratory indicator, since various proteins are “responsible” for many functions of the human body and the processes occurring in it: fluidity, viscosity and blood clotting; blood volume in the vessels; transportation of exogenous and endogenous substances (lipids, hormones, pigments, etc.) through blood vessels to all vital organs; stability of the blood pH index; protective functions of the body, etc.

In general, total blood protein is a combination of two main components - albumin and globulin. The first component is a product of liver activity, the second is the result of the synthesis of lymphocytes.

Significant changes in the level of protein in the blood may indicate a generalized pathological process (necrosis, neoplasm, inflammation) and express the specific dynamics and severity of the disease. Fluctuations in the level of total protein in the future also allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen treatment method.

Normal protein levels

The level of protein in the blood is determined on the basis of a biochemical blood test with the condition that the sample is taken from a vein, only in the morning and strictly on an empty stomach: at night the protein level changes slightly, and at least 8 hours must pass between the last meal and the blood sample taken for analysis.

The norm, or normoproteinemia, is the content

• 65-85 grams of protein per liter of blood in an adult,
• 58-76 grams per liter – in children aged 8 to 15 years;
• 52-78 grams per liter – in children aged 5 to 7 years;
• 61-75 grams per liter – in children aged 1 to 4 years;
• 47-72 grams per liter – in babies up to one year;
• 48 - 73 grams per liter - in newborns.

In case of minor deviations, the doctor should take into account that an increase or decrease in protein may be caused by taking certain medications (corticosteroids, estrogen-containing drugs, oral contraceptives, etc.).

The protein level could also be affected by the blood sampling procedure: when a patient who was in a supine position suddenly stands up, the protein increases, just as when the tourniquet is applied too tightly, which causes the protein level to increase in the compressed vessels.

Serious indications for a biochemical blood test for protein are:

• acute and chronic infectious diseases;
• liver and kidney diseases;
• oncological diseases;
• various systemic diseases;
• thermal burns;
• eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia;
• screening examinations, etc.

Lack of protein in the blood

A reduced level of protein in the blood - hypoproteinemia - indicates certain physiological changes: pregnancy, lactation, prolonged immobilization or an increase in blood volume in the system.

Hypoproteinemia is also observed in the following pathologies:

• insufficient dietary protein intake as a result of fasting, dieting, avoiding high-protein foods, or decreased protein absorption due to long-term inflammatory bowel disease;
• functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (enterocolitis, pancreatitis, etc.);
• liver diseases that provoke disturbances in protein synthesis (parenchymal hepatitis, carcinomas and metastases, or liver tumors);
• chronic kidney disorders (glomerulonephritis, etc.);
• thyrotoxicosis – hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• cancerous formations;
• hereditary diseases (Wilson-Konovalov disease, etc.);
• serious poisoning;
• extensive thermal burns leading to protein breakdown;
• prolonged and (or) frequent bleeding;
• injuries and surgical interventions;
• excess water in the body (hydremia, or “water poisoning”, ascites, etc.);
• excessive physical activity.

Elevated blood protein levels

This symptom - hyperproteinemia - is much less common and indicates the presence of the following pathologies:

• acute and (or) chronic infectious diseases;
• autoimmune diseases: lupus erythematosus, autoimmune glomerulonephritis, autoimmune reactive arthritis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, etc.;
• lack of water in the body due to diarrhea, vomiting, burns, intestinal obstruction, nephritis, etc.;
• malignant formations accompanied by excessive production of harmful proteins - paraproteinemia (lymphogranulomatosis, cirrhosis, myeloma, etc.).

Deciphering a blood test for protein and determining the reasons that caused the deviation from the norm is the prerogative of a qualified doctor. Therefore, consultation with a specialist is necessary even if the increase or decrease in protein is insignificant and has not yet affected the general well-being of the patient. The doctor will prescribe medication and monitor changes in protein levels until normal levels are restored.

Total blood protein is one of the indicators of amino acid metabolism in the body, characterizing the concentration of protein molecules of all types and fractions in plasma. We can say that this indicator of protein metabolism products is a mirror image of the body's regenerative abilities. After all, proteins play the role of a kind of framework or plastic material on which all other elements of cells and tissues are supported. If this substrate is sufficient, any organ or system remains complete, both structurally and functionally.

All protein in the human body is represented by more than a hundred different subtypes. These proteins may consist only of an amino acid set, or they may contain various compounds of proteins of different molecular weights with other metabolic products (lipids, carbohydrates, electrolytes in the form of glycoproteins, lipoproteins and hemoglobin, etc.) Their metabolism, especially synthesis, is either otherwise it occurs in the liver. Therefore, the functional usefulness of this organ is the main regulator of protein metabolism.

The indicator of total blood plasma protein reflects the body’s readiness to respond promptly and adequately to any unforeseen disturbances in the structure or functioning of all organs and systems. At the same time, the globulin fraction characterizes immunity, fibrinogen - coagulation mechanisms, and albumin - all other restorative abilities!

The main components of total protein, which are determined during a biochemical study, are:

Albumins are low-molecular proteins that provide all the plastic needs of the body for building material to maintain the structure and synthesis of new cells. Make up the bulk of total protein;

Globulins are large molecular proteins necessary for the synthesis of antibodies, immunoglobulins and other immune proteins (complement components, c-reactive protein, inflammatory mediators, tumor factor, etc.) In the structure of the total protein they occupy slightly less than half the volume;

Fibrinogen is a high-molecular protein that is involved in the final stage of platelet blood clot formation and is responsible for the integrity of the blood coagulation system. It accounts for the smallest amount of all components of total protein.

Normal level of total protein in blood

Each of the indicators of a biochemical blood test has its own units of measurement and standard values ​​with which the results obtained during the study should be compared. With regard to total protein and its fractions, the following normal indicators are generally accepted:

Depending on the type of protein fraction:




Standards for total protein by age:

Norm of total protein in women

There are no special norms for total protein indicators for men and women due to the fairly wide range of upper and lower limits of standard values. But in women, total protein can be reduced by up to 10% compared to men of the same age group. This can be explained by the high needs of the female body for protein, which is spent on the synthesis of sex hormones. The synthetic properties of the liver in women are lower than in men;

Norm of total protein during pregnancy

In pregnant women, fluctuations in total protein are subject to even greater downward variation. A reduction of up to 30% compared to the generally accepted norm can be considered normal and quite natural.

This may be a natural consequence:

Increasing the circulating volume of plasma due to fluid retention in the vascular space;

Increased needs of the pregnant woman’s body for plastic material for the synthesis of sex and other hormones of the endocrine glands;

Requirements for plastic material for the growth and development of the fetus.

Pathological fluctuations in total plasma protein levels can be represented by both its increase and decrease. The second option is more common, but it is less specific. Cases of increased levels of total protein are more rare, but are typical for a narrow range of diseases!

Causes of elevated total protein in the blood

If an increase in total protein levels is detected in a biochemical blood test, they speak of hyperproteinemia.

It may indicate:

Dehydration of the body due to pathological loss of fluid or its redistribution between the vascular space and tissues during intoxication, infections and septic conditions;

Enhanced synthesis of antibodies during the formation of immunity after vaccination or previous infectious diseases. As a rule, such an increase is not significant;

Multiple myeloma. Such cases of hyperproteinemia are represented by a pronounced increase in protein levels due to pathological proteins (Bence-Jones protein);

DIC syndrome with hypercoagulation against the background of intoxication and various critical conditions.

A decrease in the level of total blood protein is called hypoproteinemia. Its presence may indicate the following conditions:

Liver pathologies accompanied by hepatocellular failure: viral and toxic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis;

Nutritional protein deficiency due to poor nutrition and depletion of the body in serious illnesses;

Increased loss of protein in the urine with decompensated kidney pathology and severe proteinuria;

The progression of cancer and its metastasis.

A decrease in protein levels is always an alarm signal, indicating pronounced pathological changes. The human body, in this state, becomes defenseless against any harmful environmental factors and is incapable of self-recovery!

Education: Moscow Medical Institute named after. I. M. Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".

Total protein in blood serum is the concentration of albumin and globulin. This is the liquid component of blood, which is expressed quantitatively in total. To measure this indicator, the unit g/liter is used. Usually its content in the blood is calculated using biochemistry. This analysis is prescribed as the main one when a patient comes with some complaints. Sometimes it happens that this indicator is increased. In this regard, the question arises, what does increased protein in the blood mean?

Protein and its fractions contain complex amino acids. In the blood they take part in various processes of the body, with their help the transfer of nutrients occurs.

Blood proteins act as catalysts, thereby performing the body's immune defense. They are also required to maintain a constant pH in the circulating blood. They take an active part in coagulation.

It is through protein that doctors have the opportunity to determine what characteristics a patient’s blood has. In particular, fluidity and viscosity are determined. These indicators can affect the functioning of not only the heart, but also the entire cardiovascular system. Protein in the blood must be determined when certain groups of the population undergo clinical examination.

Of course, there are certain protein standards, above or below which the indicator should not be. For an adult, the normal range is from 64 to 84 g/l. It is worth noting that the amount of protein depends on age. The highest rates are observed in adults.

At the same time, there is no division of protein norms into indicators for men and women. This is due to the fact that the indicator has a very large spread. However, more often than not, men's blood protein levels are ten percent higher than women's in the same age group. Why is this so, you may ask? The thing is that the female body demonstrates a high level of need for this component. Most of them are used for the synthesis of sex hormones. At the same time, the synthetic properties of the liver in men are slightly higher.

It is worth especially highlighting such a category as pregnant women. Their spread downwards is even greater. Typically, in pregnant women, protein is observed in quantities 30 percent lower than the generally accepted norm.

There are three reasons for this:

• increased amount of plasma;
• increasing the body's needs for hormone synthesis;
• the need for material for the growth and development of the fetus.

In various cases, both an increase and a decrease in total protein may be observed. Increases are less common. In this case, an increase most often indicates several diseases.

Why is this happening

The reasons why the indicator is higher than necessary may be different, but it is worth emphasizing right away that most often they are all very serious. High protein can be divided into two groups: absolute increase and relative increase. When it is higher than normal and we are talking about an absolute increase, this means that its amount in the plasma has been increased, but the blood volume has remained the same. The relative increase is associated with blood thickening.

A higher than normal level may occur with diarrhea and frequent vomiting. The reason for this is dehydration. Intestinal obstruction can also make the protein level higher than acceptable. This is due to an obstacle to fluid absorption.

Cholera leads to an increase in blood viscosity, which means it acts as a cause of increased protein levels. Acute bleeding can also cause an increase in protein. This is also due to fluid loss. All these reasons cause a relative increase in protein.

When it comes to an absolute increase, this indicates the presence of much more serious diseases. Firstly, this can happen due to malignant tumors, as a result of which material metabolism and protein production are disrupted.

Secondly, the reasons for the increase in protein may lie in autoimmune diseases. Infections and inflammation of a chronic nature also lead to an increase in protein. The same effect can be observed in sepsis. However, a high score does not always mean that you have a certain disease. Sometimes its increase occurs due to the use of a number of medications.

Downgrading correctly

If the level begins to increase, then first of all the doctor determines the reasons why this is happening. Of course, this does not indicate any specific disease, but it shows that there are pathological processes in the body. Therefore, you should not delay visiting a doctor.

You can also observe a false increase in protein levels, which occurs when the analysis is taken incorrectly. In addition, a sharp change in position from horizontal to vertical leads to an increase in the indicator by ten percent, as does physical activity. Accordingly, to eliminate such factors, it is necessary to eliminate incorrect preparation for analysis.

All doctors agree that lowering protein levels on your own is prohibited, especially using folk remedies. The fact is that there are many cases where an increase in this indicator indicates a serious illness. If this is confirmed by analysis, then self-treatment can pose a threat to the health and even life of the patient.

The doctor usually does not focus only on a general blood test. If the indicator is elevated, analysis is prescribed for various fractions. There are also several studies being conducted to help understand the causes of the disease. Only after this is appropriate treatment prescribed, which is usually supported by diet and regimen.

It is possible to develop physiological hypoproteinemia in the last months of pregnancy, during lactation, against the background of prolonged physical activity, as well as in bedridden patients.

What diseases cause a decrease in the amount of protein in the blood?
Hypoproteinemia is a sign of the following diseases:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, enterocolitis)
• surgical interventions
• tumors of various locations
• liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver tumors or liver metastases)
• poisoning
• acute and chronic bleeding
• burn disease
• glomerulonephritis
• thyrotoxicosis
• the use of infusion therapy (the entry of large volumes of fluid into the body)
• hereditary diseases (Wilson-Konovalov disease)
• fever

Medicines that affect protein levels
Some medications affect the concentration of total protein in the blood. Thus, corticosteroids and bromsulfalein contribute to the development of hyperproteinemia, and estrogen hormones lead to hypoproteinemia. An increase in the concentration of total protein is also possible with prolonged compression of the vein with a tourniquet, as well as transition from the “lying” to the “standing” position.

How to get tested for protein?
To determine the concentration of total protein, blood is taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. The break between the last meal and the time of taking the test should be at least 8 hours. Sweet drinks should also be limited. Today, protein concentration is determined by the biuret or microbiuret (if the concentration is very low) method. This method is universal, easy to use, quite cheap and fast. There are few errors when using this method, so it is considered reliable and informative. Errors mainly occur when the reaction is set up incorrectly or when dirty utensils are used.

Albumin, types of globulin, norms, reasons for increase or decrease in indicators

Albumin - normal, reason for increase, decrease, how to get tested
Let's consider each protein fraction separately. Albumins are a very homogeneous group, half of which are located in the vascular bed, and half in the intercellular fluid. Due to the presence of a negative charge and a large surface area, albumins are capable of carrying various substances - hormones, drugs, fatty acids, bilirubin, metal ions, etc. The main physiological function of albumin is to maintain blood pressure and reserve amino acids. Albumins are synthesized in the liver and live 12-27 days.

Increased albumin - reasons
Increased concentration of albumin in the blood ( hyperalbuminemia) may be associated with the following pathologies:

• dehydration, or dehydration (loss of fluid from the body through vomiting, diarrhea, profuse sweating)
• extensive burns

Reduced albumin - reasons
Decrease in albumin concentration ( hypoalbuminemia) can be up to 30 g/l, which leads to a decrease in oncotic pressure and the appearance of edema. Hypoalbuminemia occurs when:

• various nephritis (glomerulonephritis)
• acute liver atrophy, toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis
• increased capillary permeability
• amyloidosis
• burns
• injuries
• bleeding
• congestive heart failure
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract
• fasting
• pregnancy and lactation
• tumors
• with malabsorption syndrome
• thyrotoxicosis
• taking oral contraceptives and estrogen hormones

Globulins - types of globulins, norms, reasons for increase, decrease

α1-globulins –α1-antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein, norms, reasons for increase, decrease

This protein fraction includes up to 5 proteins, and they normally account for 4% of the total protein. Two have the greatest diagnostic significance - and.

α1-antitrypsin (serine proteinase inhibitor) regulates the activity of blood plasma enzymes - trypsin, thrombin, renin, plasmin, kallikrein and elastase. The normal content in the blood of a healthy person is 2-5 g/l. This protein is an acute-phase protein, that is, an increase in its concentration occurs during inflammation and cancer. Complete or partial deficiency of α1-antitrypsin leads to obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema) and progressive cirrhosis at a young age.

α1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) participates in the transfer of hormones - testosterone and progesterone. Normally, blood serum contains 0.55 -1.4 g/l. The concentration of orosomucoid increases 3-4 times during acute and chronic inflammation and after surgery. Determining the concentration of orosomucoid is used to monitor the dynamics of inflammation or to monitor oncology (an increase in the concentration of this protein indicates tumor recurrence).

How to get tested?
To determine the concentration of α1-globulins, blood is taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. The method for quantitative determination of the concentration of these proteins is accurate, but quite complex, so its determination must be carried out by an experienced and highly qualified employee. The method is quite lengthy, taking several hours. The blood should be fresh, without signs of hemolysis. Errors in determination occur due to insufficient qualifications of personnel or violations of the rules for preparing blood for analysis.

α2-globulins -α2-macroglobulin,haptoglobinnorms,ceruloplasmin,reasons for increase, decrease

Haptoglobin consists of two subunits and circulates in human blood in three molecular forms. It is an acute phase protein. The normal level in the blood of a healthy person is less than 2.7 g/l. The main function of haptoglobin is the transfer of hemoglobin into the cells of the reticuloendothelial system, where hemoglobin is destroyed and bilirubin is formed from it. An increase in its concentration occurs during acute inflammation, and a decrease occurs during hemolytic anemia. When transfused with incompatible blood, it may disappear altogether.

Ceruloplasmin– a protein that has the properties of an enzyme that oxidizes Fe2+ to Fe3+. Ceruloplasmin is a copper depot and transporter. The blood of a healthy person normally contains 0.15 - 0.60 g/l. The content of this protein increases during acute inflammation and pregnancy. The inability of the body to synthesize this protein is detected in congenital diseases - Wilson-Konovalov disease, as well as in healthy relatives of these patients.

How to get tested?
To determine the concentration of α2-macroglobulins, blood from a vein is used, which is taken strictly in the morning, on an empty stomach. Methods for determining these proteins are labor-intensive and quite time-consuming, and also require high qualifications.

β-globulins -transferrin,hemopexin,norm, reasons for increase, decrease

Hemopexin– is also a hemoglobin binding protein. Normally it is contained in the blood - 0.5-1.2 g/l. The content of hemopexin decreases with hemolysis, liver and kidney diseases, and increases with inflammation.

How to get tested?
To determine the concentration of β-globulins, blood from a vein is used, which is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The blood should be fresh, without signs of hemolysis. Carrying out this test is a high-tech analysis and requires a highly qualified laboratory technician. The analysis is labor-intensive and quite time-consuming.

γ-globulins (immunoglobulins) - normal, reasons for increase and decrease

The γ-globulin fraction includes immunoglobulins.

Immunoglobulins are antibodies that are produced by cells of the immune system to destroy pathogenic bacteria. An increase in the amount of immunoglobulins is observed during activation of the immune system, that is, during viral and bacterial infections, as well as during inflammation and tissue destruction. A decrease in the amount of immunoglobulins can be physiological (in children 3-6 years old), congenital (hereditary immunodeficiency diseases) and secondary (with allergies, chronic inflammation, malignant tumors, long-term treatment with corticosteroids).

How to get tested?
Determination of the concentration of γ-globulins is carried out in blood from a vein taken in the morning (before 10 am) on an empty stomach. When taking an analysis to determine γ-globulins, it is necessary to avoid physical exertion and strong emotional shocks. To determine the concentration of γ-globulins, various methods are used - immunological, biochemical. Immunological methods are more accurate. In terms of time costs, both biochemical and immunological methods are equivalent. However, immunological tests should be preferred due to their greater accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.

Glucose - the norm, reasons for its increase and decrease, how to prepare for donating blood for analysis?

Normal blood glucose and physiological hyperglycemia

When the glucose concentration increases above 6 mmol/l, the presence of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can be physiological, that is, occurring in healthy people, and pathological, that is, detected in various disorders in the human body.
Physiological hyperglycemia includes:

• nutritional (after meals, sweet drinks)
• neurogenic – under stress

• neuroendocrine disorders (for example, obesity, polycystic ovaries, premenstrual syndrome, Cushing's disease, etc.)
• diabetes
• diseases of the pituitary gland (for example, acromegaly, pituitary dwarfism, etc.)
• adrenal tumors (pheochromocytoma)
• increased thyroid function
• infectious hepatitis and liver cirrhosis

• unbalanced diet, which contains a large amount of refined carbohydrates (white flour products, confectionery, potatoes, pasta) and few vegetables, fruits, vitamins
• in newborns
• dehydration
• lack of food or eating before bed

1. overdose of insulin or other sugar-lowering drugs
2. renal, liver and heart failure
3. exhaustion
4. hormonal imbalances (depletion of cortisol, adrenaline, glucagon)
5. pancreatic tumor - insulinoma
6. congenital anomalies - insulin hypersecretion, autoimmune hypoglycemia, etc.

Bilirubin - types, norms, reasons for decrease and increase, how to get tested?

Direct and indirect bilirubin – where is it formed and how is it excreted?

Bilirubin is a yellow-red pigment that is formed when hemoglobin breaks down in the spleen, liver and bone marrow. The breakdown of 1 g of hemoglobin produces 34 mg of bilirubin. When hemoglobin is destroyed, one part of it - globin - breaks down into amino acids, the second part - heme - breaks down with the formation of iron and bile pigments. Iron is used again, and bile pigments (products of the conversion of bilirubin) are removed from the body. Bilirubin, formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin ( indirect), enters the blood, where it binds to albumin and is transported to the liver. In liver cells, bilirubin combines with glucuronic acid. This bilirubin bound to glucuronic acid is called straight.

Indirect bilirubin is very toxic, as it can accumulate in cells, primarily in the brain, disrupting their function. Direct bilirubin is non-toxic. In the blood, the ratio of direct and indirect bilirubin is 1 to 3. Further in the intestine, direct bilirubin, under the influence of bacteria, splits off glucuronic acid, and itself is oxidized to form urobilinogen And stercobilinogen. 95% of these substances are excreted in the feces, the remaining 5% are absorbed back into the blood, enter the bile and are partially excreted by the kidneys. An adult excretes 200-300 mg of bile pigments daily in feces and 1-2 mg in urine. Bile pigments are always found in gallstones.

In newborns, the level of direct bilirubin can be significantly higher - 17.1-205.2 µmol/l. An increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood is called bilirubinemia.

High bilirubin - causes, types of jaundice
Bilirubinemia is accompanied by the appearance of a yellow color of the skin, sclera of the eyes and mucous membranes. Therefore, diseases associated with bilirubinemia are called jaundice. Bilirubinemia can be of hepatic origin (with diseases of the liver and biliary tract) and non-hepatic (with hemolytic anemia). Separately, jaundice of newborns is worth mentioning. An increase in the concentration of total bilirubin within the range of 23-27 µmol/l indicates the presence of latent jaundice in a person, and when the concentration of total bilirubin is above 27 µmol/l, a characteristic yellow color appears. In newborns, jaundice develops when the concentration of total bilirubin in the blood is above 51-60 µmol/l. There are two types of hepatic jaundice - parenchymal and obstructive. Parenchymal jaundice includes:

• hepatitis (viral, toxic)
• cirrhosis of the liver
• toxic liver damage (poisoning with alcohol, poisons, salts of heavy metals)
• tumors or metastases to the liver

• pregnancy (not always)
• pancreatic tumor
• cholestasis (blockage of the bile duct with stones)

Non-hepatic jaundice includes jaundice developing against the background of various hemolytic anemias.

Diagnosis of various types of jaundice
To distinguish which jaundice we are talking about, use the ratio of different fractions of bilirubin. These data are presented in the table.

Causes of jaundice in newborns

Jaundice of newborns due to other reasons. Let's consider causes formation of jaundice in newborns:

• In the fetus and newborn, the mass of erythrocytes and, therefore, the concentration of hemoglobin is greater per fetal mass than in an adult. Within a few weeks after birth, there is an intensive breakdown of “extra” red blood cells, which is manifested by jaundice
• the ability of a newborn’s liver to remove bilirubin from the blood, formed as a result of the breakdown of “extra” red blood cells, low
• hereditary disease - Gilbert's disease
• since the newborn's intestines are sterile, therefore the rate of formation of stercobilinogen and urobilinogen is reduced
• premature babies

How to get tested?
To determine the concentration of bilirubin, blood is taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. Before the procedure you should not eat or drink for at least 4-5 hours. The determination is carried out using the unified Jendraszik method. This method is easy to use, takes little time and is accurate.

Urea - normal, reasons for increase, decrease, how to get tested

Urea norm and physiological increase in urea

So, physiological uremia develops when:

• unbalanced diet (high in protein or low in chloride)
• loss of fluid from the body - vomiting, diarrhea, profuse sweating, etc.

Causes of increased urea
So, uremia develops against the background of the following diseases:

• chronic and acute renal failure
• glomerulonephritis
• anuria (lack of urine, a person does not urinate)
• stones, tumors in the ureters, urethra
• diabetes
• burns
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• intestinal obstruction
• poisoning with chloroform, mercury salts, phenol
• heart failure
• parenchymal jaundice (hepatitis, cirrhosis)

Decrease in urea - reasons
Reduced urea concentration in the blood is a rare phenomenon. This is mainly observed with increased protein breakdown (intense physical work), with high protein needs (pregnancy, breastfeeding), with insufficient protein intake from food. A relative decrease in blood urea concentration is possible with an increase in the amount of fluid in the body (infusion). These phenomena are considered physiological. A pathological decrease in blood urea concentration is detected in some hereditary diseases (for example, celiac disease), as well as in severe liver damage (necrosis, late-stage cirrhosis, poisoning with salts of heavy metals, phosphorus, arsenic).

How to get tested
Determination of urea concentration is carried out in blood taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. Before taking the test, you must refrain from eating for 6-8 hours, and also avoid strong physical activity. Currently, urea is determined by the enzymatic method, which is specific, accurate, quite simple and does not require a long time investment. Also, some laboratories use the urease method. However, the enzymatic method is preferable.

Creatinine – the norm, the reason for the increase, how to get tested

Normal creatinine

Causes of elevated creatinine
Increased creatine in the blood - creatininemia – a diagnostic sign of the development of pathological processes in the kidneys and muscular system. Creatininemia is detected in acute and chronic nephritis (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis), nephrosis and nephrosclerosis, as well as in thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease) or muscle damage (trauma, compression, etc.). Taking certain medications also causes an increased blood creatinine level . These drugs include vitamin C, reserpine, ibuprofen, cefazolin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, mercury compounds.

In addition to determining the concentration of creatinine, the Rehberg test is used in the diagnosis of kidney diseases. This test evaluates the cleansing function of the kidneys based on the determination of creatinine in the blood and urine, as well as subsequent calculations of glomerular filtration and reabsorption.

How to get tested
Determination of creatinine concentration is carried out in blood from a vein taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Before taking the test, you must abstain from food for 6-8 hours. The day before you should not overeat meat. Today, determination of creatinine concentration is carried out using the enzymatic method. The method is highly sensitive, specific, reliable and simple.

Uric acid – normal, reasons for increase, decrease, how to get tested

Low uric acid levels - causes
Low uric acid levels are rare. In healthy people, this phenomenon occurs on a diet poor in purines. A pathological decrease in uric acid levels accompanies hereditary diseases - Wilson-Konovalov disease, Fanconi anemia.

How to get tested?
A test to determine uric acid must be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, using blood from a vein. Preparation does not require special measures - just do not abuse foods rich in purines. Uric acid is determined by the enzymatic method. The method is widespread, simple, convenient and reliable.

The level of total protein in the blood is one of the main indicators of biochemical analysis, which is carried out to diagnose diseases. Their content shows how protein metabolism occurs in the body. Proteins take part in many processes and ensure normal functioning of the body. They serve as the main building material for all fabrics.

Total plasma protein consists of a mixture of proteins that are heterogeneous in structure - the albumin fraction and the globulin fraction. Albumin is synthesized in the liver from food.

Proteins in the blood perform important functions:

• maintain its viscosity and fluidity;
• provide a constant temperature;
• take part in the process of blood clotting;
• provide a constant pH level;
• keep formed elements in suspension;
• participate in immune reactions;
• transport pigments, hormones, lipids, minerals and other biological elements.

Deviations from normal protein levels may indicate a disease. Most often, in pathological conditions, a decrease is observed, which is called hypoproteinemia. Before increasing protein in the blood, you need to find out the reason for its decrease.

Norm

The protein concentration depends on the age of the person and is:

• 45-70 g/liter in newborns;
• 51-73 g/liter in children under one year of age;
• 56-75 g/liter between one and two years of age;
• 60-80 g/liter in children from 2 to 15 years;
• 65-85 g/liter in people over 15 years old;
• 62-81 g/liter in people over 60 years of age.

When is the test prescribed?

A biochemical test for total protein is indicated in the following cases:

• for liver diseases;
• for infectious diseases (acute and chronic);
• for severe burns;
• for eating disorders;
• for specific diseases.

Using a total protein test, various diseases are diagnosed:

• oncological;
• kidney disease;
• liver pathologies.

Causes of hypoproteinemia

A decrease in protein levels in the blood most often indicates the development of pathological processes in which increased breakdown of proteins occurs, their loss in the urine or impaired absorption.

Protein may be reduced in the following cases:

• for liver diseases in which protein synthesis is impaired (hepatitis, cirrhosis, tumors and secondary tumors);
• functional disorders in the digestive system, in which protein absorption decreases (pancreatitis, enterocolitis and others);
• malignant tumors of various localizations;
• diabetes mellitus;
• chronic kidney diseases, in which protein is excreted in the urine (glomerulonephritis and others);
• thyrotoxicosis;
• pleurisy;
• extensive burns and frostbite;
• high temperature and prolonged fever;
• injuries;
• poisoning;
• chronic and acute bleeding;
• ascites;
• after surgery.

In addition, total protein may be reduced in cases not associated with pathologies. Physiological hypoproteinemia is possible:

How to raise it?

In order for the body to function normally, the lack of protein in the blood must be replenished. First of all, you need to find out the causes of hypoproteinemia and eliminate them.

If low protein is caused by a disease, you need to see a doctor, get examined and find out the diagnosis. If treatment is effective, protein levels will return to normal.

Its content can be increased both with medications and proper nutrition. To increase it, a special diet and multivitamin complexes are prescribed.

You should know that not all proteins are broken down equally in the digestive system. Some of them are partially absorbed. Therefore, the diet should be developed by a nutritionist.

A nutritionist will help you create a nutrition plan for hypoproteinemia

Diet

Proteins necessary for the body to function normally are found in both animal and plant foods. It is known that animals are digested better due to their composition. Doctors say that a person needs both. Proteins contain amino acids, and each of them is needed by the body, so it is important to eat both animal and plant proteins.

Foods high in animal protein include:

• low-fat cottage cheese;
• cheeses;
• egg powder;
• meat (veal, beef);
• poultry meat;
• fish;
• seafood (squid, shrimp).

The diet should include foods containing not only animal, but also plant proteins.

Plant-based foods that are high in protein include:

• peanut;
• dried apricots;
• beans;
• almond;
• walnuts;
• lentils;
• cereals;
• rye;
• chocolate (cocoa 70%);
• seaweed;
• sprouted wheat grains;
• brown rice;
• bran bread;
• pasta made from wholemeal flour.

• fat meat;
• fatty cottage cheese;
• full fat milk;
• chicken eggs.

Such foods will undoubtedly increase protein in the blood

The menu should include foods that do not contain a lot of protein, but are necessary to increase its level in the blood:

• vegetables,
• berries,
• mushrooms,
• fruits.

• pregnant women;
• nursing mothers;
• persons engaged in heavy physical labor;
• athletes.

1. We must remember that you cannot eat the same foods. The diet should be varied.
2. Many high protein foods are high in fat, so their consumption should be limited. These are fatty meats, milk, chicken eggs.
3. You need to increase the amount of protein food gradually, especially if you are not used to it. Ingesting a large amount of protein at once can be stressful for the body. The digestive system may not accept such food, resulting in poisoning. Therefore, it is best to distribute the total amount of protein foods into five or six meals, but not eat in two or three meals.

Conclusion

Proteins are important elements in the human body. It is a building material, a participant and regulator of many processes. It is necessary to include a sufficient amount of protein in food, especially if there is a deficiency in the blood.