hyperproteinemia

Abnormally high levels of protein in the blood plasma.

(Examples of plasma proteins)
• albumins: Regulate the osmotic pressure of the blood, keeping fluid from leaking from the blood vessels, helping enzymes, vitamins, and other substances circulate throughout the body. The liver makes them.
• globulins: Participate in the immune system (immunoglobulins) and also act as transport proteins. Most of the α and β globulins are synthesized by the liver. γ globulins are produced by lymphocytes and plasma cells in lymphoid tissue. Cryoglobulin is also a globulin, but abnormal. They may clump together at temperatures below 37°C.
• fibrinogens: Blood coagulation (involved in the clotting process).
• regulatory proteins: Regulation of gene expression.
• clotting factors: Conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin.

(Causes)
• dehydration
• chronic inflammation or inflammatory disorders (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis, gout, Kawasaki disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, uveitis, vasculitis)
• viral infections (e.g. hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS)
• blood cancers (e.g. multiple myeloma, certain types of lymphoma)
• severe liver or kidney disease