Human albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma. It plays several critical roles in the body, including maintaining oncotic pressure, transporting hormones, fatty acids, and drugs, and contributing to overall fluid balance.
Key Functions of Human Albumin:
1. Maintaining Oncotic Pressure: Albumin helps retain water in the bloodstream, preventing fluid from leaking into tissues and causing edema.
2. Transportation: It binds and transports various substances, such as hormones, fatty acids, bilirubin, and medications, throughout the body.
3. Antioxidant Properties: Albumin has antioxidant effects, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
4. pH Buffering: It contributes to maintaining the blood’s pH balance.
Role in Drug Binding and Detoxification:
Albumin plays a key role in drug metabolism by binding to various pharmaceuticals, affecting their distribution and availability in the body. This binding regulates the effectiveness and half-life of many medications. Additionally, albumin helps detoxify harmful substances, aiding in the removal of toxins and waste products from the bloodstream. Due to these functions, albumin is crucial in critical care settings, particularly in cases of poisoning, liver disease, and intensive drug therapy management.
Clinical Uses of Human Albumin:
Human albumin is used therapeutically in medical settings for:
- Hypoalbuminemia: Low levels of albumin due to conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition.
- Shock and Burns: To restore blood volume and prevent hypovolemic shock.
- Ascites: In patients with liver cirrhosis to manage fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
- Plasmapheresis: As a replacement fluid during plasma exchange procedures.
- Sepsis and Septic Shock: Albumin is used in critically ill patients with sepsis to help stabilize blood pressure and improve survival rates.
- Cardiovascular Surgery Recovery: Postoperative albumin administration can support fluid balance and recovery in cardiac surgery patients.
Normal Albumin Levels:
The normal range for albumin in blood is approximately 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL.
Causes of Low Albumin (Hypoalbuminemia):
- Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis)
- Kidney disease (e.g., nephrotic syndrome)
- Malnutrition or poor protein intake
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Severe burns or trauma
- Cancer and Chronic Illnesses: Certain cancers and chronic illnesses like diabetes can lead to persistently low albumin levels.
Albumin in Diagnostics:
Albumin levels are often measured in blood tests to assess liver and kidney function, nutritional status, and overall health.
Why Is Albumin Testing Important?
Regular monitoring of albumin levels helps detect early signs of liver or kidney disease and can guide treatment plans for chronic illnesses.
Where to Buy Human Albumin?
If you’re looking for high-quality human albumin for medical use, consult a healthcare provider or a reputable pharmaceutical supplier. You can buy from Amber Lifesciences Pvt Ltd, a trusted exporter and third-party manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, ensuring high-quality and reliable supply.
Conclusion
Human albumin is an essential protein with numerous physiological and clinical applications. From maintaining fluid balance to supporting critically ill patients, its role in medicine is indispensable. If you have specific questions about human albumin or its applications, feel free to ask.