Total Protein

Total protein in a biochemical blood test

Total protein is the total concentration of all proteinsProteins are high-molecular organic substances consisting of alpha-amino acids linked in a chain by a peptide bond. In living organisms, the amino acid composition of proteins is determined by the genetic code. During synthesis, 20 standard amino acids are used in most cases. Many combinations of them determine the great diversity of properties of protein molecules. Proteins play a key role in the immune response and can perform transport, storage, catalytic, structural, and receptor functions. Proteins are an important part of the nutrition of animals and humans. The main sources of proteins are meat, poultry, fish, milk, nuts, legumes, and grains. in the blood serum, reflecting the state of protein metabolism. .:

• Albumins (55-65%) – maintain oncotic pressure, transport hormonesHormones are biologically active substances that are produced by specialized cells or glands (such as endocrine glands) and regulate various physiological processes in the body. They act as chemical signals that are transmitted through the bloodstream to organs and tissues to control and coordinate a wide range of functions, including metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, mood, and more. Examples include insulin, testosterone, estrogen, and adrenaline., medications, and bilirubin.
• Globulins (35-45%) – immunoglobulins, acute phase proteins, transport proteins.
• FibrinogenFibrinogen is a protein, one of the main blood clotting factors. It is necessary for the formation of blood clots and stopping bleeding, helps in healing damaged tissues and restoring their blood supply. When the wall of a vessel of any caliber is damaged, a cascade of biochemical reactions is triggered in the blood, the final stage of which is the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin. A blood clot is formed. Fibrinogen is synthesized by liver cells and is constantly present in the blood at a certain concentration. (not always included in total protein).

---

Norm of total protein in the blood

Category	Reference Values (g/L)
Adults	64-83
Children	45-80 (age-dependent)
Elderly	May be 5-10% lower

Note:

• In pregnant women, the level is reduced (physiological hemodilution).
• When taking the test in the supine position, the result may be 5-10% lower.

---

Deviations from the norm

1. Hypoproteinemia (reduced total protein)

Reasons:

• Insufficient protein intake (fasting, strict diets, anorexia).
• Malabsorption (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease).
• Protein loss (nephrotic syndrome, burns, blood loss).
• Chronic diseases (cirrhosis of the liver, oncology).
• Hyperhydration (excess fluid in the body).

Symptoms of deficiency:

• Edema (due to a decrease in oncotic pressure).
• Muscle weakness, weight loss.
• Dry skin, brittle hair and nails.
• Frequent infections (decreased immunoglobulins).
• Impaired wound healing.

How dangerous is it?

• Cachexia with prolonged deficiency.
• Severe edema (anasarca).
• Immunodeficiency states.

---

2. Hyperproteinemia (increased total protein)

Reasons:

• Dehydration (vomiting, diarrhea, burns).
• Chronic inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE).
• Hemoblastosis (myeloma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia).
• Autoimmune diseases (high levels of gamma globulins).

Symptoms of excess:

• Thirst, dryness of the mucous membranes (with dehydration).
• Headaches, weakness.
• Enlarged lymph nodes(with hemoblastosis).
• Bone pain (in myeloma).

How dangerous is it?

• Hyperviscous syndrome (in myeloma) → microcirculation disorders.
• Renal failure (due to protein cylinders in the tubules).

---

Additional tests

To clarify the diagnosis, prescribe:

• Electrophoresis of serum proteins (albumins, α₁, α₂, β, γ-globulins).
• General urinalysis (proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome).
• Liver tests (albuminOne of the main proteins of the human body, responsible for maintaining normal blood composition and transporting various substances throughout the body. It also serves as a reserve source of amino acids. Albumins perform two very important functions: managing the distribution of water within the body, helping the blood transport vitamins, minerals, and medications. They are responsible for water exchange — they help retain it in the vessels and prevent it from excessively moving into the tissues (thus preventing the development of edema). Albumins influence the formation of tissue fluid, urine, and lymph, and also control the process of water absorption from the intestines., bilirubin).
• Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM).

---

What should I do if there are deviations?

If the protein is reduced:

• A diet with a high protein content (meat, fish, eggs, legumes).
• Treatment of the underlying disease (for example, hormones in nephrotic syndrome).
• Infusions of albumin (with a critical decrease).

If the protein is elevated:

• Fluid replenishment (in case of dehydration).
• Chemotherapy (for hemoblastosis).
• Plasmapheresis (in hyperviscous syndrome).

---

Important!

• Total protein is a non- specific indicator. For accurate diagnosis , protein electrophoresis is necessary.
• Children have lower protein levels than adults (due to active growth).
• Consultation with a doctor (general practitioner, nephrologist, hematologist) is mandatory!