Electrophoresis of blood serum and urine. Electrophoresis of serum proteins: norm, decoding

Plasma of human blood contains a lot of protein components. They are different in their composition, structure and mobility in a certain medium that conducts electric current. This is the basis for the separation of the total protein, which is localized in plasma, to various protein fractions. When carrying out the electrophoresis of blood serum, the quantitative ratio of individual protein components and structures is clarified. This is necessary to determine whether a person has various pathological phenomena, for example, infections or oncology. It is the electrophoresis of serum proteins that is of great importance in the diagnosis of various diseases.

The essence of the method

For the cleavage of protein fractions, serum electrophoresis is used, the principle of which is based on the different mobility of protein components in the created electric field. This method of investigation is more accurate and informative, in contrast to the standard general blood test. But in this case, the electrophoresis shows only the amount of a certain protein fraction, the nature and degree of the pathological process in general form. The analysis of the carried out researches allows medical experts to find out which ratio of protein fractions is observed in the human body and to determine the specific pathology inherent in a particular disease.

Types of protein fractions

Most of the basic biological fluid of a person, or blood, is made up of proteins. In the total amount their norm is in the range of 60-80 g / l. To obtain an accurate analysis, serum electrophoresis is performed on paper. This study is the most common method of analysis. The main medium is a special filter paper. Its main feature is high hygroscopicity. Such paper can absorb water more than its weight by 130-200 times. Depending on the equipment used, electrophoresis on paper lasts 4-16 hours. There is a subdivision of protein structures. Then, the strips of paper are treated with special paints for analysis. This technique is the most common in the work of medical laboratories. Due to the effect of electric current, the protein fractions charged negatively move towards the positively charged electrode. Due to this, the protein components of the blood are divided into 5 known fractions:

• Albumins;
• Α1-globulin;
• Α2-globulin;
• Β - globulin;
• Γ-globulin.

Albumins are negatively charged, they have a small molecular weight compared to other fractions. Due to this, the speed of their movement is much higher than that of the other fractions, and they are located farthest from the start site. The first three fractions of the globulin move at a lower rate because of their mass. But the smallest rate is recorded in γ-globulins. These proteins have a large mass and large, relative to others, dimensions. Their charge is almost neutral, so this protein fraction practically does not shift from the start line.

Need to use

At present, serum electrophoresis is often carried out for the diagnosis of an accurate diagnosis. This analysis can appoint both therapists, so doctors of a narrow profile. Indications for the conduct of research will be:

• Various inflammations;
• Chronic diseases;
• Pathological processes in connective tissue;
• Internal bleeding;
• Malignant neoplasms.

Preparation for the analysis

In order for the results of the conducted studies to be correct, at least 8 hours before blood donation, it is necessary to refuse to take food. In addition, it is necessary to coordinate the intake of medications, if any, with the attending physician.

Blood sampling

In order for the results not to be overestimated by mistake, it is necessary to minimize the possibility of blood coagulation to determine the protein fraction and total protein. Serum electrophoresis is performed carefully, since there is a possibility of distortion of the results obtained due to fibrinogen. He can hide abnormal proteins or be confused with them.

Normal values

Within a day after the sample is submitted, an analysis for the electrophoresis of the serum proteins will be ready. The norm of the received indicators by categories in adults:

1. The total protein is 63-82 g / l.
2. Albumins - 40-60% of the total number of fractions.
3. Α1-globulins - 2-5%.
4. Α ₂ -globulins - 7-13%.
5. Β-globulins - 8-15%
6. Γ-globulins - 12-22%.

The need for analysis

The change in the amount of any protein fraction in the greater or lesser side may indicate the development of a particular pathology. To obtain reliable information about this, electrophoresis of serum proteins is necessary. Deciphering the results will make it easier for medical specialists to diagnose and select the treatment.

Increase in albumins

At the very beginning, when analyzing the results obtained, the amount of albumin is determined. An increase in this fraction may indicate dehydration. This can happen if the patient has prolonged vomiting or abnormalities in the digestive system. Also, the increase in albumin occurs with burns of a large area of the skin.

Decrease of albumins

Much more dangerous if the body reduces the number of albumins, it can talk about the following pathologies:

1. Lesions of the kidneys and liver.
2. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Infectious processes.
4. Disorders in the activity of the cardiovascular system.
5. Bleeding.
6. Malignant neoplasms.
7. Sepsis.
8. Rheumatism.

A slight decrease in the number of albumins may also be:

1. At future mothers.
2. When the dose of drugs is exceeded.
3. With prolonged fever.
4. Have heavy smokers.

The change in the number of α1-globulins

A decrease in the number of a1-globulins is detected in the absence of α ₁ -antitrypsin. The increase is noted with exacerbation of inflammation in the body, violations in the work of the liver, with tissue decay.

Reduction of α2-globulins

It is registered with diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes in the pancreas, in newborn infants with jaundice, with hepatitis of toxic origin. It also attests to an incorrect, unbalanced diet.

Increase of α2-globulins

Occurs in the presence of the following diseases:

1. Inflammations, especially with the presence of purulent exudate (pneumonia and other processes with the presence of pus).
2. Disorders of connective tissue (eg, rheumatism).
3. Malignant neoplasms.
4. Periods of recovery from burns.
5. Defeat of the kidneys.

In addition, this phenomenon is characteristic for hemolysis of blood in a test tube during the study.

Increase of β-globulins

It manifests with hyperlipoproteinemia (increase in the number of lipids in the blood), liver and kidney pathologies. It can be detected with an open stomach ulcer, as well as hypothyroidism (disruption of the thyroid gland). Reduction of the fraction is recorded with hypobetalipoproteinemia (increase in the blood component of betalapoprotein).

Changes in the γ-globulin fraction

This fraction includes immunoglobulins. Therefore, the increase in γ-globulins is recorded in immunity failures. Usually this occurs with various infections, the development of the inflammatory process, changes in tissue and burn lesions. The growth of γ-globulin is noted in patients with chronic form of hepatitis. Practically the same picture is typical for cirrhosis of the liver. With advanced cases of this disease, the amount of the protein fraction of γ-globulins is significantly higher than the albumin count. In certain diseases, there may be failures in the formation of γ-globulins, and the development of altered proteins in the blood - paraproteins - occurs. To elucidate the nature of this development, an additional study is carried out-immunoelectrophoresis. Such a picture is typical for myeloma disease and Waldenstrom pathology.

An increase in the number of γ-globulins is also inherent in the following pathologies:

• Lupus erythematosus;
• Endothelioma;
• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Osteosarcoma;
• Chronic form of lymphocytic leukemia;
• Candidymycosis.

Reduction in the number of γ-globulins

The decrease in the γ-globulin count is subdivided into 3 types:

1. Physiological (typical for children aged three to five months).
2. Congenital (it develops from the moment of birth).
3. Idiopathic (when the cause of development can not be established).

A secondary decrease is recorded with the development of diseases that cause depletion of the immune system. Recently, in medical practice, an analysis is increasingly being carried out to determine the number of prealbumins. Usually, such a study is carried out by patients who are in intensive care.

The decrease in the number of prealbumins is a very important and accurate test for determining the deficiency of protein structures in the patient's body. In the analysis for prealbumins, the protein metabolism is corrected in such patients.

Urine electrophoresis

The principle of such an analysis is similar to the technology of performing blood serum electrophoresis. Conduct it for more accurate diagnosis or detection of other pathologies. In addition, such an analysis will help to identify the patient's presence of proteinuria.

Conclusion

Electrophoresis of blood serum and urine are important methods in the diagnosis of various infectious diseases. Thanks to the research technique and high accuracy, they help determine the type of pathology. An accurate diagnosis is the right way to correct treatment and complete recovery.