Globulins: role in the body, symptoms of deficiency and excess, norms in the blood test
Globulins are a group of plasma 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.that perform many functions, including immune defense, substance transport, and blood clotting. They are divided into several fractions determined by serum protein electrophoresis.
1. Main types of globulins and their functions
| Globulin Fraction | Key representatives | Role in the body |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-1 globulins | Alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1-acid glycoproteinGlycoprotein is a protein molecule modified by the attachment of one or more oligosaccharide groups to it. | Inhibit proteasesProteases are enzymes that break down proteins., participate in inflammation |
| Alpha-2 globulins | Haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, alpha-2-macroglobulin | They bind hemoglobin, copper transport, and protease suppression |
| Beta-globulins | Transferrin, hemopexin, complement components (C3, C4) | Iron transport, participation in the immune response |
| Gamma globulins | Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD) | Antibodies, protection against infections |
2. Symptoms of globulin deficiency
Reduced globulin levels may be associated with:
- Hypogammaglobulinemia (antibody deficiency → frequent infections).
- Liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis-protein synthesis disorders).
- Nephrotic syndrome (loss of protein in the urine).
- Genetic disorders (for example, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency).
Symptoms:
- Frequent bacterial and viral infections (with immunoglobulin deficiency).
- Edema (due to a decrease in oncotic blood pressure).
- Anemia (with transferrin deficiency-impaired iron transport).
- Emphysema of the lungs (with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency).
3. Symptoms of excess globulins
An increase in the level of globulins is observed when:
- Chronic inflammation and infections (tuberculosis, HIV, autoimmune diseases).
- Multiple myeloma (a tumor that produces an excess of immunoglobulins).
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE).
- Liver diseases (chronic hepatitis).
Symptoms:
- Increased blood viscosity (headaches, circulatory disorders).
- Kidney damage (due to the deposition of abnormal proteins).
- Enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen (with myeloma, lymphomas).
4. Norms of globulins in the blood test
The reference values depend on the method of analysis (electrophoresis or biochemistry).
A. Total globulin (biochemical analysis)
| Group | Norm (g / l) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 20–35 |
| Children | 18–34 |
B. Globulin fractions (electrophoresis)
| Fraction | Norm (% of total protein) | Norm (g / l) |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-1 | 2–5% | 0,2–0,4 |
| Alpha-2 | 7–13% | 0,5–1,0 |
| Beta | 8–15% | 0,6–1,2 |
| Gamma | 12–22% | 0,8–1,6 |
5. When is the test scheduled?
- Suspected immunodeficiency.
- Chronic infections or inflammation.
- Diseases of the liver and kidneys.
- Diagnosis of myeloma and other paraproteinemias.
Important: Interpretation requires a comprehensive approach, taking into account other indicators (total protein, 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., creatinine, liver tests).