Protein electrophoresis is a doctor’s request to investigate diseases that may be affected by changes in circulating proteins in the blood, being considered one of the main problems required for the research and diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
This test is done from a blood sample, which is then passed through a centrifugation process to obtain the blood plasma, from which the proteins are found, these proteins go through a separation process based on their electrical load and molecular weight, generating a band pattern and then a graph, which is critical to the doctor’s interpretation of the test.
- The proteins evaluated in this test are important for the proper functioning of the body.
- As they act in the immune system.
- Coagulation process and metabolic reactions.
- As well as being able to transport certain molecules to the site of action.
- Changes in their concentrations could indicate the presence of a disease.
- Among the proteins evaluated are: albumin.
- Alpha-glucoproteins.
- Beta-glucoproteins and gamma-glucoproteins.
Protein electrophoresis is requested by the doctor to determine the amount of protein in the body and, in this way, investigate possible changes and diseases, being able to initiate treatment early, if necessary. may indicate protein electrophoresis when there are signs and symptoms that suggest:
In addition to these situations, this test may ask when the person is performing estrogen therapy or when they are embarrassed, as a result of these situations, there may be changes in protein levels in the body, and it is important to check for the modified protein. and take steps to reverse the situation.
Protein electrophoresis is performed from taking a blood sample, which is sent to the lab to analyze blood plasma, plasma is placed on an agarose gel, cellulose acetate with a dye and marker of each protein, and then an electric current is applied to its end to stimulate protein separation according to its electrical potential , molecular size and weight. After separation, proteins can be visualized using a band pattern, indicating the absence of them.
These proteins are then quantified in a specific device called a densitometer, in which the concentration of proteins in the blood is checked, indicating in the ratio the percentage value and absolute value of each protein fraction, as well as a graph that helps improve the compression of the test result of the doctor and the patient, it is important to note that this test does not require any prior preparation.
In some situations, a 24-hour urine collection may be done to check the amount of protein released into the bag during the day.
The result of the protein electrophoresis test should be interpreted by the doctor, evaluating the absolute and relative value of the proteins, in addition to the graph reflected in the report.
As a result, we indicate fractions of proteins, i. e. values found for albumin, alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin, beta-1-globulin, beta-2-globulin, and gamma-globulin. , usually not reflected in the report, I stayed in the laboratory and was available for consultation by the doctor.
Albumin is the most commonly found plasma protein that is produced in the liver, performing various functions, such as hormonal transport, vitamins and nutrients, pH regulation and osmotic control of the body. Albumin synthesis in the liver depends on the person’s nutritional status, the amount of hormones in circulation and the pH of the blood. In this way, the amount of albumin in the electrophoresis of proteins, the general nutritional status of the person and allows the identification of possible alterations of the liver or kidneys.
Reference value for electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 4. 01 to 4. 78 g / dL; 55. 8 to 66. 1%
Albumin increase: The increase in albumin levels is mainly caused by dehydration, but by the increase in the production of this protein, because there is less water supply and therefore the blood volume is lower, so higher levels of albumin are determined.
Decreased albumin: Albumin is considered a negative acute phase protein, perhaps, in situations of inflammation if albumin levels are demined; In this way, albumin deminution can occur in cases of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, edema, ascites, nutritional deficiencies and cirrhosis, since there is a liver compromise and albumin synthesis is affected.
Learn more about albumin
The fraction of alpha-1-globulin consists of several proteins, the main being alpha-1-glucoprotein acid (AGA) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). AGM is involved in the formation of collagen fibers and is responsible for inhibiting the activity of viruses and parasites, so it plays a key role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Like AGM, AAT is also of great importance to the immune system.
Reference value for electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 0. 22 to 0. 41 g /dL; 2. 9 to 4. 9%
Alpha-1-globulin increase: The increase in proteins in this fraction occurs mainly against inflammations and infections, so elevated levels of alpha-1-globulin may indicate neoplasms, Cushing syndrome, arthritis, embolism and vascularitis, as well as being able to increase after treatment with estrogen or corticosteroids.
Decrease in alpha-1-globulin: Decrease may occur as a result of nephrotic syndrome, severe liver disease, emphysema, cirrosa and hepatocellular carcinoma.
The alpha-2-globulin fraction consists of three main proteins: ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobin (HPT) and macroglobulin (AMG), as blood concentration may increase due to inflammatory and infectious processes.
Ceruloplasmin is a protein synthesized by the liver, which contains a large amount of copper in its composition, allowing it to perform certain reactions in the body. Similarly, CKD is important in the process of incorporating hierarchy into transferrin, which is the protein responsible for transporting hierarchy into the body. Although it can also be considered an acute phase protein, CER levels take time to increase.
Haptoglobin is responsible for binding to circulating hemoglobin and, in this way, promoting its degradation and elimination of circulation, on the other hand, macroglobulin is one of the largest plasma proteins and is responsible for regulating inflammatory and immune reactions, in addition to transporting the simplest proteins and peptides that regulate the synthesis of plasma proteins by the liver.
Reference value for electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 0. 58 to 0. 92 g / dL; 7. 1 to 11. 8%
Alpha-2-globulin increase: Increased protein in this fraction may indicate nephrotic syndrome, Wilson’s disease, liver degeneration, disseminated intravascular coagulation and stroke, as well as being able to increase estrogen treatment.
Decrease in alpha-2-globulin: Decreased levels of this protein can occur due to hemolytic anemia, pancreatitis and lung disease.
Transferrin is the main protein in the beta-1-globulin fraction and is responsible for transporting hierarchy to various sites in the body. In addition, its cantability can be determined by protein electrophoresis, the concentration of transferrin in the blood can be observed in a normal blood test. Learn more about the transferrin test.
Reference value for electrophoresis (may vary by 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.
Decreased beta-1-globulin: The decrease in this protein fraction is not very common, however, it can be observed in chronic processes.
In this fraction are the main proteins, beta-2-microglobulin (BMG) and C-reactive protein (PCR). BMG is a marker of cellular activity, important for the detection of lymphocytic tumors for example, in addition to being able to be used in clinical practice for the follow-up of the cancer patient, to check if the treatment is effective. PCR is a very important protein for identifying infections and inflammations, as it is sufficient to make negative changes in your levels.
Reference value for electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 0. 22 to 0. 45 g / dL; 3. 1 to 6. 1%
Increase in beta-2-globulin: the increase can occur in diseases related to lymphocytes, inflammation and infections.
Decreased Beta-2-globulin: Decreased may occur due to liver problems, which requires the synthesis of these proteins.
In this fraction of protein electrophoresis, we find immunoglobulins, which are the proteins responsible for defending the body, while the immune system works.
Reference value for electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 0. 72 to 1. 27 g / dL; 11. 1 to 18. 8%
Increased gammaglobulin: Increased proteins in the gammaglobulin fraction occur in the face of infections, inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, there may also be an increase in cases of lymphoma, cirrhosis and multiple myeloma.
Gammaglobulin degradation: Immunoglobulin levels are typically reduced in cases of immune system deficit due to chronic diseases, for example.