Question

What happens to albumin concentration during inflammation?

Answer 1

During inflammation, the concentration of albumin typically decreases, which can lead to edema because of albumin's role in tissue water regulation. The albumin/globulin ratio is affected, with changes in this ratio providing insights into the inflammatory status of a patient. Albumin is a key player in transport and maintaining plasma osmotic pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Changes in Albumin Concentration During Inflammation

During inflammation, there is a tendency for the concentration of albumin to decrease. This is because inflammatory responses can lead to increased vascular permeability, which allows albumin to escape from the bloodstream into the tissue spaces. Additionally, conditions such as hepatic disorders can also contribute to a reduction in albumin concentration because the liver is where albumin is synthesized. In circumstances where albumin levels are low, such as in inflammation, patients may experience edema due to albumin’s role in regulating water content within tissues. On the other hand, concentration of albumin increases when the body is dehydrated or in cases of insulin resistant diabetes. As the most abundant plasma protein, albumin plays an essential biological role by contributing to the osmotic pressure of plasma, acting as a transport molecule for hormones, free fatty acids, and drugs, and by maintaining the acid-base balance in the blood.

During inflammatory states, the albumin/globulin (AG) ratio can be affected as well. Increased AG ratio indicates a decrease in globulin, while a decreased AG ratio indicates decreased albumin levels. It's important for medical professionals to assess these protein changes for a proper understanding of a patient's inflammatory status and overall health.

Answer 2

The albumin concentration typically decreases during inflammation due to increased vascular permeability and liver's inflammatory response, although it increases in dehydration and insulin-resistant diabetes. Inflammatory conditions affecting the CNS can see an overall increase in CSF proteins, including albumin.

Step-by-step explanation:

During inflammation, the concentration of albumin can decrease. Albumin, being the most abundant plasma protein and a key regulator of osmotic pressure, is synthesized in the liver and has many biological roles, including the transportation of fatty acids and binding of hydrophobic molecules such as hormones. However, in inflammatory conditions, albumin may be reduced due to the liver's response to inflammation and the increased vascular permeability that allows albumin to escape into tissues, contributing to oedema. The decrease in albumin concentration is also linked to conditions such as hepatic disorders, malnutrition, and increased excretion of albumin in kidney disorders. Conversely, albumin concentration can increase in cases of dehydration and insulin-resistant diabetes.

During inflammation specifically affecting the central nervous system, such as in inflammatory meningitis, the protein content of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increases significantly, favoring the increase of globulin rather than albumin. Despite the general decrease of albumin in the bloodstream during inflammation, the albumin/globulin ratio in CSF can indicate the general protein balance and potential changes during diseased conditions.