Human serum albumin

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma. It is produced in the liver and constitutes about half of the blood serum protein. Human serum albumin is the serum albumin found in humans. It is often used as a marker of nutritional status.

Function

Human serum albumin is important in regulating blood volume by maintaining the osmotic pressure in the blood compartment. It also serves as a carrier protein for several endogenous molecules (such as fatty acids, thyroid hormones and steroid hormones) and exogenous drugs.

Structure

Human serum albumin is a single-chain large molecule, its structure is a heart-shaped molecule. It has a molecular weight of approximately 66.5 kDa and is composed of 585 amino acids.

Clinical significance

Human serum albumin levels in the body can be indicative of various medical conditions. Low levels can suggest liver disease, kidney disease, or protein malnutrition (kwashiorkor). High levels, although less common, can indicate dehydration or high protein diet.

Medical uses

Human serum albumin is often used in medicine as a component of a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) regimen in patients who are unable to consume food or nutrients by mouth. It is also used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including shock due to blood loss in trauma patients, burns, surgery, or liver failure.

See also

• Albumin
• Blood plasma
• Liver
• Protein malnutrition
• Dehydration

References

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