What is the main cause of hypoalbuminemia?

The term "albumin" (derived from the Latin word "albus" meaning white) is used to describe a white-colored deposit that forms when acidic urine is boiled. This deposit is primarily composed of albumin. Albumin is the most abundant protein in circulation, making up one to two-thirds of plasma proteins from the middle of the fetal period to the end of life.

the main cause of hypoalbuminemia

Hypoalbuminemia can occur for various reasons and through multiple mechanisms, including decreased synthesis, increased catabolism, loss, relocation, and blood dilution. Determining the level of plasma albumin is clinically significant in numerous cases.

Cause Mechanism
Liver disease Impaired synthesis of albumin
Malnutrition Inadequate intake of protein or calories
Inflammation Increased catabolism and redistribution of albumin
Burns Loss of albumin through damaged skin
Kidney disease Loss of albumin through urine

1-Impaired synthesis of albumin

Disorders in albumin synthesis can occur as a result of malnutrition, malabsorption, and liver diseases. The liver has a high capacity for albumin synthesis, which only decreases in severe liver diseases when there is a loss of more than 50% of liver function. Hypoalbuminemia, which is commonly observed in liver diseases, is likely caused by mechanisms such as elevated immunoglobulin levels, leakage from the veins, or direct inhibition of synthesis due to the presence of toxins like alcohol.

Hypoalbuminemia is a condition characterized by the absence of albumin in the bloodstream. Only 25 families have been identified with albumin levels less than 1% of the normal level. These individuals are typically asymptomatic, except for mild edema that may occur in their second to fourth decade of life.

Albumin synthesis decreases as a negative acute-phase reactant during acute-phase conditions.

2-Loss of albumin through urine

Abnormal albumin excretion can occur through the kidneys, digestive system, or facial skin. Urinary albumin excretion is a primary indicator of kidney disease. The level of urinary albumin excretion varies based on the extent of kidney damage. In the early stages of kidney disease, before clinical symptoms are present, a slight increase in urinary albumin excretion (300-30 mg/24h), known as microalbuminuria, may indicate the beginning of glomerular damage in patients with diabetes or high blood pressure. In the advanced stage of kidney disease, known as nephrotic syndrome, there is a significant increase in albumin excretion, resulting in a severe depletion of plasma albumin.

3-Inadequate intake of protein or calories

Albuminuria can occur as a result of inflammatory bowel disease, including acute viral gastroenteritis. This excretion is typically insignificant unless it is excessive or prolonged. The excretion level in protein-losing enteropathy may be comparable to that of nephrotic syndrome. Increased albumin excretion is observed in cases of burns and exfoliative dermatitis.

4-Increased catabolism and redistribution of albumin

Albumin is a negative acute-phase reactant, meaning its levels decrease during these conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, commonly cause decreased plasma albumin levels.

At least four mechanisms contribute to this decrease:

  1.  blood dilution
  2. albumin entering the extravascular space due to increased vascular permeability in inflamed areas
  3. increased consumption by cells at the site
  4. decreased synthesis due to direct inhibition by cytokines.
  5. Long-term malnutrition also increases the breakdown of albumin to provide the essential amino acids needed by cells

5-Release of albumin from blood vessels

Approximately 4% to 5% of the albumin in the blood vessels exits the bloodstream every hour. Another cause of hypoalbuminemia is increased outflow from the vessel and accumulation in the extravascular space, such as accumulation in ascites.

6-Plasma dilution

Blood dilution is another cause of hypoalbuminemia that is unrelated to metabolic abnormalities of albumin. This condition, observed in late pregnancy, causes a false decrease in blood albumin concentration. Overhydration or excessive intravenous fluid prescription can lead to hypoalbuminemia as a result of blood dilution.

Let's check more...

Reference sciencecodons.com

Popular posts from this blog

Do nuts cause constipation?

Image
Nuts are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help prevent and relieve constipation. However, nuts can also be hard to digest if you don’t chew them well or eat too many of them. Therefore, the answer to your question(do nuts cause constipation) is: it depends. Some factors that may affect how nuts influence your bowel movements: The type and amount of nuts you eat : Some nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, have more fiber than others, such as cashews, macadamias, and pecans. Eating a moderate amount of nuts (about a handful) can provide enough fiber to stimulate your gut, but eating too many nuts (more than 1/4 cup) can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. The way you prepare and eat nuts : Raw nuts may have more nutrients and antioxidants than roasted nuts, but they may also contain anti-nutrients, such as phytic acid and tannins, that can interfere with digestion and absorption of minerals. Soaking, sprouting, or roasting nuts can reduce these anti-nutrie...
Read more

Can high blood pressure during pregnancy harm baby and mother?

Image
Yes , high blood pressure during pregnancy can harm your baby . High blood pressure during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus. If this condition is not diagnosed in a timely manner, both the mother and the fetus are at risk of serious complications. High blood pressure during pregnancy can damage the paired arteries, which can cause decreased blood and oxygen supply to the fetus and slow down its growth. Sometimes, high blood pressure during pregnancy is uncontrollable, and doctors are forced to terminate the pregnancy and deliver the premature fetus. These infants are at risk, as some of their organs, such as the lungs and digestive system, are not yet fully developed, and as a result, they may be vulnerable to injury. To complete the development of their organs, they must be kept in the neonatal intensive care unit. The presence of the fetus in the neonatal intensive care unit in such cases is often long-term and sometimes lasts up to 20...
Read more

Do potatoes cause constipation?

Image
  Short answer: the answer to whether potatoes cause constipation is not straightforward. However, potatoes don’t usually cause constipation. Potatoes are starchy vegetables with many health benefits, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Fiber is essential for preventing and relieving constipation, as it helps soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Therefore, potatoes do not cause constipation when eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. However, some factors may affect how potatoes impact your bowel movements. For example, preparing and cooking potatoes can change their fiber content and nutritional value. Fried potatoes, such as french fries or chips, may have more fat and salt than baked or boiled potatoes, slowing digestion and worsening constipation. Also, peeling potatoes can reduce their fiber content, as most fiber is in the skin. Another factor to consider is how potatoes interact with other foods in your diet. Some people may have fo...
Read more