Significance of rapid turnover proteins in protein-losing gastroenteropathy
Takeda, H.; Ishihama, K.; Fukui, T.; Fujishima, S.; Orii, T.; Nakazawa, Y.; Shu, H-Jin.; Kawata, S.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 50(54): 1963-1965
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 14696443 Document Number: 565870
Background/Aims: We investigated the significance of rapid turnover proteins (retinal-binding protein, pre-albumin and transferrin) in protein-losing gastroenteropathy. Methodology: We evaluated the levels of these proteins in 12 patients with protein-losing gastroenteropathy. Results: The protein-losing gastroenteropathy patients showed very low level of total serum protein of 4.3+-0.7g/dL, albumin 2.1+-0.4g/dL, and IgG 682+-232mg/dL. However, retinal-binding protein was 4.4+-1.9mg/dL (normal range; 2.5-8.0mg/dL), pre-albumin 29.3+-7.9mg/dL (21-43mg/dL) and transferrin 226+-62mg/dL (205-370mg/dL). The levels of rapid turnover proteins, particularly retinal-binding protein and pre-albumin were almost preserved within the normal range, despite hypoproteinemia. Conclusions: If there is a patient with severe hypoproteinemia and preserved levels of rapid turnover proteins, protein-losing gastroenteropathy should be suspected and we get a strong proof to do the following examinations such as a fecal clearance of alpha-1 antitrypsin.