Albumin is the most abundant protein in human plasma that is produced exclusively in the liver. Traditionally, albumin has been thought of being important in providing plasma with its oncotic property and therefore its use in clinical practice has been mainly aimed at promoting plasma volume expansion. The past 10 years or so has seen an explosion in the knowledge of albumin biology such that it is now clear that it has multifunctional properties ranging from provision of oncotic pressure, immune regulation and endothelial stabilization to being a molecule that works in the intracellular compartment modifying several key pathophysiological mechanisms. It has been hypothesized that the pleiotropic effects of albumin in cirrhosis and its proven effectiveness in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, prevention of post paracentesis circulatory dysfunction, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy relates to these functional characteristics rather than simple volume expansion.
Effective albumin concentration and cirrhosis mortality: from concept to reality.
BERNARDI, MAURO
2013
Abstract
Albumin is the most abundant protein in human plasma that is produced exclusively in the liver. Traditionally, albumin has been thought of being important in providing plasma with its oncotic property and therefore its use in clinical practice has been mainly aimed at promoting plasma volume expansion. The past 10 years or so has seen an explosion in the knowledge of albumin biology such that it is now clear that it has multifunctional properties ranging from provision of oncotic pressure, immune regulation and endothelial stabilization to being a molecule that works in the intracellular compartment modifying several key pathophysiological mechanisms. It has been hypothesized that the pleiotropic effects of albumin in cirrhosis and its proven effectiveness in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, prevention of post paracentesis circulatory dysfunction, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy relates to these functional characteristics rather than simple volume expansion.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.