Скачать или смотреть 9. Plasma Proteins: Albumin Chemistry & Functions | Biochemistry MBBS 1st year | USMLE Step 1

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Plasma Proteins | Albumin Chemistry, Functions & Clinical Applications | MBBS Biochemistry | USMLE Step 1

👋 Hey future doctors and biochem learners! Albumin is the chief plasma protein — accounting for nearly 60% of total plasma proteins — and it plays a vital role in maintaining osmotic balance, transporting molecules, and serving as a clinical marker.

In this lecture, we’ll explore Albumin’s chemistry, physiological functions, and clinical significance, making it a high-yield topic for MBBS, NEET PG, FMGE, and USMLE Step 1. 🧬📚

🌟 Albumin Chemistry

Source: Synthesized exclusively in the liver.

Structure: Single-chain polypeptide with multiple binding sites for ligands.

Concentration: ~3.5–5.0 g/dL in plasma.

Properties:
• Water-soluble, negatively charged at physiologic pH.
• Contributes most to plasma oncotic (colloid osmotic) pressure.

🌟 Functions of Albumin

1️⃣ Maintenance of Osmotic Pressure

Keeps fluid in vascular compartment.

Loss of albumin → edema, ascites.

2️⃣ Transport Function

Binds & transports bilirubin, free fatty acids, calcium, hormones (thyroxine, cortisol), and drugs.

Clinical relevance: Affects drug binding & pharmacokinetics.

3️⃣ Buffering Action

Contributes to acid-base balance by binding H⁺ ions.

4️⃣ Nutritional Role

Acts as an amino acid reservoir during starvation.

🌟 Clinical Applications

Hypoalbuminemia (↓ albumin levels)
• Causes: Liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition, protein-losing enteropathy.
• Manifestations: Generalized edema, ascites.

Hyperalbuminemia (rare)
• Seen in dehydration (relative increase).

Albumin as a Clinical Marker
• Serum albumin levels used in assessing nutritional status and chronic illness.
• Low albumin = poor prognosis in many diseases (cirrhosis, cancer, sepsis).

Therapeutic Use
• IV Albumin infusion used in severe burns, shock, nephrotic syndrome, and hypoalbuminemia with edema.

🎯 Exam Integration

Major plasma protein = Albumin (60%).

Key role = Osmotic pressure & transport.

Hypoalbuminemia → edema (very common MCQ).

Binds bilirubin & drugs → clinical relevance in jaundice & pharmacology.
👉 A must-know for both recall and clinical vignette questions in USMLE & NEET PG.

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❓Want us to make a separate lecture on Globulins (α, β, γ) and their clinical relevance next for your Plasma Proteins playlist? Drop your request in the comments below! 😊

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