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Reviews: Role of Albumin in Human Physiology and Pathophysiology
Author(s) -
Doweiko John P.,
Nompleggi Dominic J.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607191015002207
Subject(s) - albumin , catabolism , human albumin , serum albumin , pathophysiology , hormone , physiology , biochemistry , chemistry , medicine , biology , metabolism
Albumin is one of the major products of hepatic protein synthesis. Although it is a small molecule, it is an important diagnostic and prognostic determinant, as well as a useful therapeutic agent. A review of the evolution and structure of albumin as well as a description of its colloidal and buffering properties is presented. Synthesis, distribution, and catabolism, the major determinants of serum albumin level, are discussed. Emphasis is given to those mechanisms responsible for the regulation of these processes, including the importance of nutritional status on substrate availability, energy supply, and hormonal modulation. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 15 :207–211, 1991)