Albumin, an interesting and functionally diverse protein, varies from ‘native’ to ‘effective’ (Review)

Abstract

Human serum albumins (HSAs) are synthesized in the liver and are the most abundant proteins in plasma of healthy human. They play an important role in the pathophysiological processes of the liver and even the whole organism. Previous studies have mainly focused on the regulation of HSAs' expression. However, with the progress of research in recent years, it has been found that the content of circulating albumin cannot fully reflect the biological function of albumin itself. Given the aforementioned fact, the concept of serum 'effective albumin concentration' has been proposed. It refers to the content of albumin that is structurally and functionally intact. Alterations in the molecular structure and function of albumin have been reported in a variety of diseases, including liver disease. Moreover, these changes have been verified to affect the progression of oxidative stress-related diseases. However, the link between albumin structure and function has not been fully elaborated, and the mechanisms by which different forms of albumin affect disease also need to be further investigated. In this context, the present review mainly expounded the biological characteristics and functions of albumin, summarized the different types of post-translational modification of albumin, and discussed their functional changes and possible mechanisms in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, viral hepatitis and different stages of cirrhosis. This will help to improve understanding of the role of albumin in disease development and provide a more comprehensive physiological basis for it in disease treatment. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Characteristics and structure of human serum albumins 3. Synthesis and metabolism of human serum albumins 4. Function of albumin 5. Post-translational modifications of albumin 6. Role of albumin post-translational modifications in different liver diseases 7. Therapeutic effects of albumin in different clinical pathways 8. Conclusion and perspectives

Association between nocturia and serum albumin in the U.S. adults from NHANES 2005-2012

“…This study speci cally explored the correlation between serum albumin levels and nocturia in NHANES participants from 2005 to 2012, involving a cohort of 40790 individuals. Participants were excluded if they were: (1) diagnosed with prostate cancer; (2) had prostate surgery; (3) had a rectal examination in the last seven days; (4) underwent prostate biopsy in the last four weeks; (5) diagnosed with infection or in ammation; (6) underwent cystoscopy in the last four weeks; (7) had missing data on nocturnal voiding or albumin; (8) had incomplete covariate information; (9) were under the age of 20. (10) pregnant and lactating women; (11) had used diuretics such as spironolactone, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide for one month.…”

“…Human Serum Albumin (HSA), typically present in concentrations ranging from 3.5 to 5 g/dl, constitutes 50%-60% of the total plasma proteins in healthy adults 8,9 . As a vital carrier and drug-binding protein in plasma, HSA binds and transports both endogenous and exogenous molecules 10 .…”

Semaphorin 7A promotes endothelial permeability and inflammation via plexin C1 and integrin β1 in Kawasaki disease

“…The results showed a positive correlation between sSema7A and Z-score as well as CRP levels. Additionally, as KD is characterized by hypoalbuminemia due to albumin leakage outside the blood vessels [12] and reduced hepatic synthesis in the face of the acute phase response [13], we also investigated the relationship between sSema7A and albumin. The results showed a negative correlation between the two variables (Fig.…”