Protein electrophoresis is a doctor’s requested test to investigate diseases that can cause changes in the amount of protein circulating in the blood, being considered one of the main tests required for the research and diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
This test is done from a blood sample, which undergoes a centrifugation process to obtain blood plasma, in which the proteins are found. These proteins are then subjected to a separation process based on their electrical load and molecular weight, leading to the formation of a band pattern and then a fundamental graph for the interpretation of the examination by the doctor.
- The proteins evaluated in this test are important for the proper functioning of the body.
- As they act in the immune system.
- In the coagulation process and in metabolic reactions.
- In addition to being able to transport certain molecules to its site of action.
- Therefore.
- Changes in their concentrations may be indicative of diseases.
- Proteins evaluated include albumin.
- Alpha-glucoproteins.
- Beta-glucoproteins and gamma-glucoproteins.
Protein electrophoresis is requested by the doctor to check the amount of protein in the body and thus investigate possible changes and diseases, being able to start treatment early, if applicable. Some of the situations your doctor may order electrophoresis proteins are when there are signs and symptoms that suggest:
In addition to these situations, this test may be requested when the person is being treated with estrogen or when pregnant, since in these situations there may be changes in protein levels, it is important to check the modified protein and take action and reverse the situation.
Protein electrophoresis is performed by taking a sample of the person’s blood by a qualified professional and no preparation is required. The resulting sample is sent to the lab for a separation between red blood cells and plasma. In some situations, a 24-hour urine collection may be done to check the amount of protein released into the urine during the day, as this test is most requested by the doctor in case of suspected kidney problems.
Plasma is then placed in a cellulose agarous or acetate gel with a dye and marker for each protein and then an electric current is applied 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 presence or absence of proteins.
These proteins are then quantified in a specific device, called a densitometer, in which the concentration of proteins in the blood is verified, indicating in the report the percentage and absolute value of each protein fraction, in addition to a graph, which is important. to help the doctor and patient better understand the test result.
The result of the protein electrophoresis test should be interpreted by the doctor, who evaluates the absolute and relative value of the proteins, in addition to the graph published in the report.
In the result, the protein fractions are indicated, i.e. the values found for albumin, alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin, beta-1-globulin, beta-2-globulin and gammaglobulin. With respect to the tape model, it is generally not published in the report, remaining only in the laboratory and available to the doctor.
Albumin is the most common plasma protein and produced in the liver, performing various functions, such as the transport of hormones, vitamins and nutrients, pH regulation and osmotic control of the body. Albumin synthesis in the liver depends on the nutritional status of the person, the amount of circulating hormones and the blood pH. Thus, the amount of albumin in protein electrophoresis shows the overall nutritional status of the person and allows to identify possible changes in the liver or kidneys.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 4.01 to 4.78 g / dL; 55.8 to 66.1%
Increase in albumin: Increased albumin levels are mainly caused by dehydration, but not because there has been an increase in the production of this protein, but because the amount of water is lower and therefore the blood volume, therefore the lowest levels are checked. high albumin.
Decrease in albumin: Albumin is considered an acute negative phase protein, i.e. in inflammation situations, there is a decrease in albumin levels. Thus, the decrease in albumin can occur in cases of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, edema, ascites, nutritional deficiencies and cirrhosis, in which there is hepatic alteration and albumin synthesis is altered.
Learn more about albumin
The fraction of alpha-1-globulin is composed of several proteins, the main being alpha-1-glycoprotein 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, thus playing a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Like AGM, AAT also has great importance in the immune system.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 0.22 to 0.41 g / dL; 2.9 to 4.9%
Increased alpha-1-globulin: The increase in protein in this fraction is mainly due to inflammation and infections. For example, high levels of alpha-1-globulin may indicate neoplasms, Cushing syndrome, arthritis, pregnancy and vascularitis, and may increase after treatment with estrogen or corticosteroids.
Diminuição de alfa-1-globulina: A diminuição pode acontecer como consequência de síndrome nefrótica, doenças hepáticas graves, enfisema, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular.
The fraction of alpha-2-globulin consists of three main proteins: ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobin (hpt) and macroglobulin (AMG), whose concentrations may increase due to inflammatory and infectious processes.
Ceruloplasmin is a protein synthesized by the liver and contains a large amount of copper in its composition, allowing it to perform certain reactions in the body. In addition, REF is important in the process of incorporating iron into transferrin, which is the protein responsible for transporting iron to the body. Although it is also considered an acute phase protein, CER levels take time to increase.
Haptoglobin is responsible for binding to circulating hemoglobin and therefore promotes its degradation and elimination of circulation. Macroglobulin is one of the largest plasma proteins and is responsible for regulating inflammatory and immunological reactions, transporting simpler proteins and peptides and regulating plasma protein synthesis by the liver.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 0.58 to 0.92 g / dL; 7.1 to 11.8%
Increase in alpha-2-globulin: Increased proteins in this fraction may indicate 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: decreased levels of this protein can occur due to hemolytic anemia, pancreatitis and lung disease.
Transferrin is the main protein of the beta-1-globulin fraction and is responsible for transporting iron to different parts of the body. In addition to the amount that can be verified by protein electrophoresis, the concentration of transferrin in the blood can be verified in a normal blood test. He knows the transferin test.
Reference value in 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.
Decrease in beta-1-globulin: Decreased this protein fraction is not very common, however it can be observed in chronic processes.
In this fraction, there are two main proteins, beta-2-microglobulin (BMG) and C-reactive protein (PCR). BMG is a marker of cellular activity, important for detecting lymphocytic tumors, for example, in addition to being able to be used in clinical practice to accompany the cancer patient, to check if the treatment is effective. PCR is a very important protein in the identification of infections and inflammations, as it is the one that changes its levels the most.
Reference value in 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.
Decrease in beta-2-globulin: the decrease may be due to liver problems, which prevent the synthesis of these proteins.
In this fraction of protein electrophoresis we find immunoglobulins, which are the proteins responsible for the defenses of the organism. Understand how the immune system works.
Reference value in electrophoresis (may vary by laboratory): 0.72 to 1.27 g / dL; 11.1 to 18.8%
Increased gammaglobulin: Increased gammaglobulin fraction proteins occur from infections, inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, there may be an increase in cases of lymphoma, cirrhosis and multiple myeloma.
Decrease in gammaglobulin: Normally, immunoglobulin levels are reduced in cases of immune system deficit due to chronic diseases, for example.