TOTAL PROTEIN Definition of protein:- A large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids (are joined together by the peptide bonds); essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat, eggs and milk...
Total Serum Protein:- A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. It also measures the amounts of two major groups of proteins in the blood: albumin and globulin. Types:- 1)Albumin. 2)α1globulin (α1 Antitrypsin) 3)α2globulin ( haptoglobulin) 4)β globulin ( transferrin, fibrinogen) 5)γ globulin ( Immunoglobulins).
On the basis of functions of protein: 1. Structural protein: e.g. keratin 2. Enzyme and catalytic protein: e.g. pepsin 3. Transport protein: Hb, serum albumin 4. Hormonal protein: e.g. hormones as insulin, adrenalin 5. Contractile protein: e.g. actin and myosin 6. Storage protein: e.g. oval albumin, glutamine 7. Genetic protein: e.g. nucleic acid ( DNA & RNA) 8. Defence protein: e.g. Ig (immunoglobulins). 9. Receptor protein: hormones.
Source:- Albumin and most of α and β globulins are formed in liver.. Immunoglobulins are synthesized by the plasma cells in lymph nodes, bone marrow and spleen. Normal values:- total serum protein in normal adult is 6-8 g/dl.
In the assay of total serum proteins, useful diagnostic information can be obtained by determining the albumin and the globulin fraction (albumin/globulin ratio).. Serum globulin can be separated into several subgroups by serum protein electrophoresis. Albumin is tested for liver and kidney diseases, globulin is tested for multiple myeloma.
Methods for determination of total protein in serum 1.Kjeldahl method. 2.Refractometry. 3.Biuret. 4.Dye Binding. 5.Ultraviolet Absorption.
Protein in other body fluids A.Urine protein: proteinuria: due to concentration of total protein in urine > 12mg/dl. B. CSF protein.
Experiment: Total protein( Biuret method) Principle: Cupric ions (Cu+ 2 ) of Biuret reagent will complex with the groups involved in the peptide bond, in an alkaline medium and in the presence of at least 2 peptide bonds, a violet-colored complex is formed. The reagent also contains: sodium potassium tartrate, to complex (Cu+2) to prevent their precipitation in the alkaline solution.
Potassium iodide, which acts as an antioxidant. Procedure: blank standard sample1 sample2 1ml R 1ml R+ 1ml R+ 1ml R+ 20μl std. 20μl S1 20μl S2
Mix, stand 10 min. (R.T) Read the absorbance at 540nm. Calculations: {Sample (A)/ Std (A)} * 5= g/dl
Clinical significance: 1.Hypoproteinemia or Hemodilution: less than the reference range, occur in : starvation, malabsorption and burns. 2.Hyperproteinmia or Hemoconcentration: Increasing. Occurs due to dehydration ( diarrhea, vomiting.) and excess synthesis of plasma proteins (multiple myeloma)...