Analysis of Reference Ranges of Total Serum Protein in Namibia: Clinical Implications

Abstract

A reference range is an essential part of clinical laboratory test interpretation and patient care. The levels of total serum protein (TSP) are measured in sera to assess nutritional, liver, and kidney disorders. This study determined the TSP reference range with respect to gender, age, and region in Namibia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the TSP reference range among 78,477 healthy participants within the ages of less than one year to more than 65 years in 14 regions of Namibia. The reference range of TSP was 51-91 g/L for females and 51-92 g/L for males. A reduced TSP range of 48.00-85.55 g/L (2.5-97.5 percentiles) was established at <1-5 years and increased towards adolescence. An uttermost range of 54-93 g/L was observed from 36-65 years of age. At the age >65 years; a steady decline in the reference range (51.00-89 g/L) was recorded. An upper TSP range of 53-92 g/L (2.5-97.5 percentiles) was detected in Erongo, Zambezi, Hardap, Kavango East, and a comparable trend was also seen in Omusati with a 54-91 g/L range. Meanwhile; a reduced TSP range of 50-89 g/L was identified in Ohangwena. This study showed that gender, age, and geographical location can impact TSP levels with a significant clinical difference (p < 0.05) between each category.Proteomes 2020, 8, 7 2 of 10 also measured as part of the kidney function tests. Disorders such as glomerulonephritis are associated with decreased levels of TSP as a result of damage to the glomeruli; therefore, affecting the filtration that leads to excretion of protein into the urine. The loss of proteins in the urine then leads to decreased levels of proteins in the blood. An example of a kidney disorder that is associated with high TSP levels is kidney inflammation [4].Protein levels in the human body have different ranges depending on age, ethnicity, and gender. This was revealed in a study conducted in Hawaii among four different races, which indicated a wider reference range variation among the different population groups [5]. Scientific reports have shown the effects of dietary protein intake, gender, and age on TSP, and that it decreases as the person ages and the rate of decrease is more rapid in women than men, with a suggestion that an appropriate range of TSP based on age and gender differences should be used for clinical diagnostic applications [6,7].Reference ranges are sets of values used by health professionals to interpret patient results obtained from the laboratory. Reference ranges are considered as the authoritative tools for the interpretation of data and decision making in laboratory science. It is established by collecting samples from a population that is considered to be normal or healthy [8]. The collected samples are tested for the concentration of the different analytes, e.g., sodium, glucose, proteins, enzymes, and many other laboratory analytes. The results obtained are then used to determine a range that lies within the 95% confidence interval on the Gaussian distribution curve. Proteins are important in the...

Assessment of the gastrointestinal fate of bacterial nanocellulose and its toxicological effects after repeated-dose oral administration

“…The same conclusions stem from the analysis of the total protein (TP) values, which provide an estimation of the nutritional status and assist in diagnosing several pathological conditions associated with liver and kidney disease. 61,62 A reduction in total protein (albumin and globulin), not observed in this work, is an indicator of an impaired hepatocellular function. The results obtained for the serum urea, creatine and electrolyte Environmental Science: Nano Paper concentrations, analyzed as indices of renal function, 63 also suggest that BNC did not impact the normal renal function among all studied groups.…”

Associations between neonicotinoids and liver function measures in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016

“…Lower total protein may suggest liver disorders that inhibit albumin and globulin production, while hepatitis has been linked to higher total serum protein. 68 …”

“…Lower total protein may suggest liver disorders that inhibit albumin and globulin production, while hepatitis has been linked to higher total serum protein. 68 There are no toxicological studies directly examining sex differences in the relationship between neonicotinoids and liver function markers. An epidemiological study in China found no significant sex differences associated with the reporting of liver cancer diagnosis.…”

Gut balance booster as a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in swine production: evaluation of the effects on growth and health parameters

“…Total serum protein (TSP) was determined in each sample following the Biuret method (Henok et al, 2020) using the Randox Total Protein Test Kit (Randox Laboratories, Leeds, UK). Serum albumin concentration was determined following the bromocresol green method (Anonymous, 2020), using the Randox Albumin Test Kit (Randox Laboratories, Leeds, UK).…”