Proteins
General consideration

Proteins are made from amino acids and are important constituents of all cells and tissues. There are many different kinds of proteins in the body with many different functions, [for example, enzymes, some hormones,hemoglobin, LDL, fibrinogen, collagen and immunoglobulins].
Serum proteins are separated by electrophoresis into albumin and globulins.
Albumin is the protein of highest concentration in the serum. It carries many small molecules, but is also of prime importance in maintaining the oncotic pressure of the blood .
Globulins are roughly divided into alpha-1, alpha-2, beta ( ß1 and ß2), and gamma globulins. These can be separated and quantitated in the laboratory by electrophoresis and densitometry.
The alpha-1 fraction includes alpha-1 anti-trypsin and thyroxine binding globulin. The alpha-2 fraction contains haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, HDL and alpha-2 macroglobulin.Generally, alpha-1 and alpha-2 proteins levels increase in the presence of inflammation.
The beta fraction includes transferrin, plasminogen, and beta-lipoproteins. The gamma fraction includes the various types of antibodies (immunoglobulins M, G, and A).

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