Why is C-reactive protein elevated? Causes of increased C-reactive protein

If protein in the blood is elevated, what does this mean? Many people are interested in this question. And it is right. In general, it is extremely necessary to know what is happening in our body. That is why it is worth talking about what functions protein performs and what to do if its balance is disturbed.

It is important to know

The protein content in the blood should be normal, and it is desirable that no disturbances occur. This substance is very important to us. After all, it is thanks to protein that blood is able to coagulate and move through the vessels. Besides this substance is responsible for the transfer nutrients. They are fats, hormones, and other compounds that move through blood vessels.

This substance also provides protective functions of the body. Also - maintains stability pH value. And plus, it is protein that determines the volume of blood in the vessels. So as you can see this is essential element, without which our body would not exist. Well, now we should discuss this topic in more detail.

Alarm bell

It is imperative to conduct a blood test if a person is suspected of certain diseases. In particular, to various types of violations that may be associated with reduced immunity. Most often these are diseases of an infectious type or some systemic disorders. It is also worth doing tests if there is a suspicion of collagenosis, malignant neoplasms, anorexia or bulimia. Protein balance is also often disturbed if a person has impaired liver or kidney function. Thermal burns, by the way, can also often be the cause.

Balance and norm

So, in order to find out whether protein in the blood is elevated or not, it is necessary to conduct an analysis. If the results are deviated from the norm, then yes, there are violations. The so-called “total protein in the blood” consists of globulins and albumins. The last of these are produced in the liver. Globulins are produced by lymphocytes.

The analysis is done in the morning and only on an empty stomach. Generally accepted norm the level is considered to be approximately 66-68 g/l for adults and for adolescents over 14 years of age. For small children who are under one year old, there is a different norm, and it is equal to 44-73 g/l. In older children (from one to two years), the balance should vary from 56 to 75 k/l. And in children from 2 to 14 the figure ranges from 60 to 80 g/l. As a matter of fact, this general information, and knowing it will be useful. The doctor says everything else after the analysis.

Protein deficiency

So, before telling what it means if protein in the blood is elevated, it’s worth briefly talking about the lack of this substance in the body. This usually occurs during physiological changes that a person undergoes. This includes long-term immobilization, for example. Hypoproteinemia is the name given to a condition in which the level of this substance is low.

This often appears during a strict diet or during fasting, and is also often found in vegetarians and (even more often) in vegans. Long-term inflammatory processes intestines can also be a cause. Because of all this, the digestibility of proteins is simply minimized. If a person's liver is not in order, then this problem may also occur. Chronic kidney disorders, burns, cancer, heavy physical activity, poisoning - all this can also cause imbalance. And, unfortunately, low protein is not uncommon.

Elevated levels: thyroid pathologies

What can you tell us about this? Well, it is quite rare to have elevated protein in the blood. What does it mean? This kind of imbalance is evidence of certain diseases. And very serious ones. And in principle, this is an extremely critical situation when protein in the blood is elevated. What does this mean - you need to figure it out.

The first reason is autoimmune diseases. For example, this is, that is, inflammation thyroid gland. Unfortunately, this disease usually occurs without symptoms. The thyroid gland only increases. And it is very important for us, as it produces iodine, which is essential for maintaining normal metabolism. If thyroid begins to work incompletely or is overcome by some diseases (as a result of which it is often necessary to perform an operation) - then the person is then forced to observe the rest of his life strict diet. Nothing salty, fatty, spicy, fried, stewed. Steamed foods and, without fail, anything that contains iodine (salmon, mackerel, flounder, cabbage, tomatoes, persimmons, legumes, rye, oats, etc.). In general, this is very serious, so it is advisable to consult a doctor if you suspect a thyroid-related disease.

What else do you need to know

If a person has elevated protein in the blood, it may not necessarily be the thyroid gland. Often the causes are acute or chronic infections. Even a banal lack of water in the body can provoke a situation where a person has increased protein in the blood. But, of course, one of the most serious reasons are malignant tumors, due to which harmful substances are produced in the body. Proteins, by the way, are also among them.

If the analysis shows that the balance is disturbed, then it is very important to take into account that some medications that the person may have been taking for some time are the cause of hyperproteinemia. These include drugs containing estrogen and corticosteroids. And if the result still turns out to be disastrous, then you need to make an appointment with a therapist. The final cause will be revealed there. There should be as much protein in the blood as prescribed by the norm, and violations must be treated.

What can cause the protein level in the blood to be exceeded?

Diseases have already been mentioned, but now I would like to talk about other reasons. So, in general, increases can be absolute and relative. In the first case, an increase in plasma proteins is observed, but the blood volume remains the same. In the second, its thickening can be traced. But in both cases, the protein level in the blood is disrupted.

A relative increase may occur as a consequence frequent vomiting or regular diarrhea - because of this, the body becomes dehydrated. Intestinal obstruction, cholera, acute bleeding- all this is also the reason. The absolute increase is what was listed earlier. All serious illnesses. And sepsis. Nothing was said about him, but this also takes place.

How to maintain normal balance? Unfortunately, in in this case You won't be able to get rid of it on diet alone. The doctor will tell you everything in detail and prescribe necessary medications and the diet that must be followed without fail.

Protein in the blood during exercise biochemical analysis can say a lot about your state of health. In this case, protein is a combined concept, since there are concepts of total protein, and there are separate fractions. And all these factions are important for human body.

Human blood consists of 54% plasma and 46% formed elements (erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes). Plasma is the liquid part of blood containing water, a suspension of proteins, organic non-protein compounds and inorganic salts. Normally, about 6-8% of all plasma is proteins. The most important proteins in blood plasma are albumin, globulin fractions and fibrinogen.

Important. The level of protein in plasma allows you to assess the condition of organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, identify disturbances in carbohydrate, lipid or protein metabolism, determine micronutrient deficiency, etc.

Total protein consists of albumin, and four globulin fractions (alpha1, alpha2, beta and gamma globulins). The separation of proteins into fractions is based on their mobility during electrophoresis.

Proteins in the blood also vary in solubility. Albumins are a type of protein that is soluble in water; globulins require the presence of salts to dissolve.

Important. Separation of proteins into fractions simplifies diagnosis, since in many diseases dysproteinemia is observed, that is, the concentration of individual proteins in the blood is disturbed.

Almost all proteins (except immunoglobulins and peptide hormones) are synthesized by liver cells. Plasmocytes are responsible for the synthesis of immunoglobulins, and the production of peptide hormones is carried out by the glands of the endocrine system.

Attention. The protein content in the blood is normally a constant value and changes with damage to organs that are involved in protein synthesis and metabolism.

Albumin levels can increase with dehydration and blood thickening. An increase in this fraction is observed in diseases of the intestines and liver, as well as in the presence of foci of purulent infection in the body.

Acute-phase proteins (, haptoglobins, fibrinogen, etc.) are the first to react to the presence of an infectious-inflammatory process.

The lifespan of proteins in the blood ranges from several days to several weeks. Utilization of “aged” proteins occurs in the liver using endocytosis.

The role of protein in the body

Attention. Since proteins are involved in essential biochemical processes in the human body, their levels are valuable diagnostic indicator and is used in biochemical blood analysis.

Quantitatively, most total protein represented by albumins (transthyretin and albumin). They make up from 50 to 70% of the total protein in the blood.

Transthyretin is prealbumin. This blood protein is responsible for transporting thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Albumin acts as a protein reserve, maintains the colloid-osmotic balance of the blood, and is responsible for the binding and transport of fatty acids ( fatty acids), And bile acids, SG (steroid hormones). Albumin also transports inorganic calcium and magnesium ions.

What are globulins needed for?

Alpha globulins include:

• alpha1 – antitrypsin, which acts as an inhibitor of proteolytic enzymes;
• thyroxine-binding protein in the blood that binds and transports the thyroid hormone – thyroxine;
• retinol binding protein that transports vitamin A (retinol);
• , which is the second blood clotting factor;
• lipid transport lipoprotein;
• vitamin D-binding protein in the blood, which binds and transports calciferol;
• macroglobulin, which transports zinc and proteinases;
• antithrombin 3, which inhibits blood clotting;
• ceruloplasmin, which transports copper ions;
• transcortin, which binds and transports hormones (cortisol and corticosterone).

The fraction of beta-globulin blood proteins will be divided into:

• transferrin, responsible for the binding and transfer of iron;
• hemopexin, which transports heme;
• fibrinogen, which is the first blood clotting factor;
• globulin that transports male and female sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen);
• C-reactive protein in the blood (acute phase protein, the first to respond to an acute inflammatory reaction);
• Transcobalamin transporting cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).

The fraction of total protein in the blood represented by gamma globulins includes immunoglobulins:

Total blood protein norm in men and women should be assessed at:

• swelling;
• systemic autoimmune pathologies accompanied by defeat connective tissue(collagenoses);
• dehydration, diarrhea, uncontrollable vomiting;
• damage to the kidneys or liver (especially in diseases that impair the protein synthetic function of the liver - cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.);
• immunodeficiencies;
• metabolic disorders;
• acute and chronic pancreatitis(during the period of exacerbation);
• glucocorticosteroid therapy;
• eating disorders (especially during diets or prolonged fasting);
• impaired absorption in the intestine (malabsorption syndrome);
• thermal burns.

Also, total blood protein should be examined in women during pregnancy, especially when severe edema appears.

Preparing for analysis

Protein in the blood should be assessed on an empty stomach, food intake is excluded twelve hours before the test. Drinking tea, coffee, juice and carbonated drinks on the eve of the study is not allowed. In the morning you can drink regular boiled water.

The day before the test, avoid eating fatty and fried foods.

Attention! It is not advisable to examine total protein after fluorography, radiography or physiotherapeutic procedures.

It is advisable to avoid alcohol intake 48 hours before blood sampling. In the morning, before blood sampling, it is advisable not to smoke.

Also, the day before blood sampling, physical activity is excluded.

For reference. The normal level of total protein in the blood does not differ between men and women. However, it must be taken into account that the norm of protein in the blood of women carrying a child (especially in the third month of pregnancy), as well as breastfeeding, decreases slightly.

Total protein in the blood. The norm and what can affect the results of the study

Increased protein in the blood can be observed during treatment with androgens, clofibrate, corticotropin, corticosteroids, adrenaline, thyroid hormones, insulin, progesterone.

Blood protein may decrease with allopurinol or estrogen therapy.

False increased protein in the blood may be observed during active physical activity before the study.

When applying an excessively tight tourniquet or active work hand may also falsely increase protein in the blood.

Normal by age

The normal total protein in the blood for patients over 16 years of age is from 65 to 85 grams per liter.

The total protein norm for children is presented in the table:

Norm by faction

In some laboratories, the result of a fraction test can be recorded as a percentage: (tested fraction / total protein in the blood) * 100%

Increased protein in the blood - what does it mean?

• acute and chronic pathologies of an infectious-inflammatory nature;
• dehydration as a result of increased sweating, diarrhea, uncontrollable vomiting, extensive burns, fluid loss due to diabetes insipidus;
• peritonitis;
• jade;
• systemic autoimmune pathologies accompanied by damage to connective tissue;
• tropical diseases;
• leprosy;
• specific hypergammaglobulinemia;
• chronic polyarthritis;
• active phase chronic hepatitis or cirrhotic liver damage;
• malignant neoplasms accompanied by increased synthesis of pathological protein. This picture can be observed in myeloma, macroglobulinemia, lymphogranulomatosis, and “heavy chain diseases.”

An increase in total protein in the blood (hyperproteinemia) should be divided into relative and absolute.

Important. A relative increase in protein is always associated with a violation of the ratio between plasma and shaped elements blood. That is, when the percentage of water in the plasma decreases, blood thickening occurs.

Very important! An absolute increase in total protein is much less common than a relative increase and is most often associated with malignant neoplasms.

With an absolute increase, the level of total protein can rise to 120 or more grams per liter.

Absolute increase in total protein

Significant hyperproteinemia can be observed with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. This disease is one of the types of malignant monoclonal gammopathy, manifested by hypersecretion of viscous and high molecular weight Waldenström protein (a type of immunogdobulin M).

Hyperproduction of proteins in this disease is associated with damage by lymphocyte and plasma cells bone marrow.

With this disease, blood viscosity increases significantly and the risk of thrombosis increases.

Symptoms of the disease include complaints of:

• constant weakness,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• weight loss,
• enlarged lymph nodes,
• joint pain,
• hearing loss,
• appearance of a reddish tint to the skin,
• decreased vision.

The appearance of hemorrhages on the skin, nose and gum bleeding is also characteristic. In some cases, intestinal bleeding is possible.

Lymphogranulomatosis

• causeless weight loss,
• profuse night sweats,
• shortness of breath,
• obsessive dry cough,
• enlargement of all groups of lymph nodes,
• constant lethargy and weakness,
• low-grade fever,
• itching of the skin.

Also, with Hodgkin's disease, there is a significant decrease in immunity, frequent viral (usually herpetic), bacterial and fungal infections develop.

Heavy chain disease

Underneath this common name imply a group rare diseases, accompanied increased excretion with urine heavy immunoglobulin chains of a monoclonal nature. This is due to the fact that all immunoglobulins synthesized in the body are defective - they lack light chains.

Important. The disease belongs to malignant lymphoproliferative neoplasms.

It appears as follows:

• hepatolienal symptom (enlarged liver and spleen),
• severe diarrhea,
• vomiting,
• swelling,
• baldness,
• severe pain in the abdomen and joints,
• an increase in the size of lymph nodes,
• severe intoxication and exhaustion.

Low protein in the blood. Causes

Total protein in the blood is reduced when:

• nutritional hypoproteinemia associated with reduced protein intake from food. This picture can occur when following a strict diet or fasting;
• pancreatitis;
• impaired intestinal absorption (enterocolitis, malabsorption syndrome);
• conditions after surgical interventions, as well as after injuries or burns;
• liver diseases accompanied by a violation of its protein synthetic function;
• increased, pathological loss of protein as a result of bleeding, kidney disease with nephrotic syndrome (glomerulonephritis), ascites, diabetes mellitus;
• prolonged fever (hyperthermia);
• prolonged immobility (forced bed rest, immobilization after injuries);
• malignant neoplasms;
• heavy physical training, especially with reduced or insufficient protein intake;
• diseases of the thyroid gland;
• immunodeficiencies.

Attention. In women, total protein in the blood is reduced during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to increase blood protein

First of all, the reason for the change in the analyzes should be identified. In the presence of concomitant diseases accompanied by pathological loss of protein, the underlying pathology is treated.

If protein levels are reduced due to increased exercise or poor nutrition, the normal level of protein in the blood can be restored by normalizing diet and lifestyle.

For reference. You can increase the level of total protein in the blood by increasing the consumption of meat, fish, squid, shrimp, eggs, cottage cheese, cheese, peanuts, dried apricots, mushrooms and soy.

A total protein blood test is done to measure the amount of albumin and globulin in the patient's body. It is from these two proteins found in the blood serum that all cells and all tissues, enzymes, antibodies, blood clotting factors and hormones of the human body are composed. He needs them for growth, development and health.

Globulin also plays important role at work immune system, and albumin, supporting osmotic pressure, prevents liquid leakage from blood vessels and maintains tissue elasticity. If necessary, proteins can serve as a reserve source of energy for the body. In addition, proteins transport lipids, hormones, nutrients, minerals and vitamins throughout the human body.

Normal level of total protein in the blood. Explanation of the result (table)

The total protein test is part of a patient's normal routine health check, such as during a regular check-up. This is one of the tests included in the biochemical blood test. A total protein blood test may be ordered if the patient has:

• unexplained loss weight,
• constant fatigue,
• swelling or swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues,
• symptoms of liver or kidney disease.

The total protein blood test not only shows the total protein content of the blood, but also separately finds out the amount of albumin and globulin, as well as their ratio, known as the A/G ratio.

So, for example, if the rate of total protein in the blood is reduced, then this is due to albumin. If albumin is normal, this indicates good condition health, as well as about normal metabolic processes. When albumin levels decrease, we can say that there is some kind of disease in the body that significantly reduces its viability. In order to understand which one, it will be necessary to conduct additional examination.

Blood testing for total protein is also carried out in order to:

• diagnose a disease associated with a disorder of protein metabolism in the body,
• to determine the degree of malnutrition of the body during various diseases digestive system, anorexia, starvation or intoxication,
• to assess the body's reserves and its endurance when predicting the outcome of the disease or in connection with the upcoming surgical intervention.

Blood is drawn from a vein in morning hours, on an empty stomach.

Normal level of total protein in blood ordinary people and pregnant women:

If total protein is elevated, what does this mean?

Despite the fact that protein is very important for the human body, exceeding its norm is a symptom unpleasant diseases. Namely:

• bone marrow dysfunction - Waldenström's disease or multiple myeloma,
• acute or chronic inflammatory processes - hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc.,
• allergy,
• autoimmune diseases - systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma,
• disorder of the adrenal cortex,
• some systemic diseases,
• respiratory failure,
• dehydration of the body,
• destruction of red blood cells,

Eating also leads to an increase in protein levels in the blood. This is why it is so important to take the test on an empty stomach.

If total protein is low, what does this mean?

If the level of total protein in the blood is low, this may be caused by the following states and diseases:

• insufficient consumption of protein foods, protein deficiency in the diet,
• poor absorption of protein in the body, malabsorption caused by e.g. inflammatory diseases intestines or celiac disease,
• renal dysfunction, nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis,
• cardiac dysfunction and associated fluid retention in the body,
• hereditary disease– agammaglobulinemia, which consists in the fact that the blood contains an insufficient amount of globulin,
• liver disease and associated decrease in protein production,
• extensive burns,
• massive bleeding,
• slow recovery after surgical intervention.
• Heavy physical activity reduces the concentration of protein in the blood.

A/G ratio

Separately, a few words need to be said about the A/G ratio (albumin to globulin). Usually it is slightly greater than one. But if this coefficient turns out to be too high or low, it is necessary to find out the reason for this phenomenon and carry out additional research.

With a low A/G ratio we can assume:

• one of autoimmune diseases,
• multiple myeloma,
• cirrhosis of the liver,
• kidney diseases.

Increased A/G ratio may indicate medical conditions genetic nature or leukemia.