Gamma-globulins – indications for testing. Gamma-globulin concentration standards

Proven content

Gamma-globulins are fractions that include mainly immune proteins – immunoglobulins of the IgG, IgM, and IgA classes. Their task is to modulate immune processes. The gamma-globulin test is performed in the case of suspected diseases with decreased immunity or kidney diseases.

Gamma-globuliny

There are many proteins in the blood plasma, among which the most abundant fraction (next to fibrinogen and albumin) are globulins. They are responsible for regulating immune processes. The gamma-globulin test is a so-called proteinogram, thanks to which we can divide into individual fractions: alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin, beta-globulin and gamma globulin (γ-globulin). In addition, the proteinogram divides gamma globulins into five types:

1. gamma globulin A- their synthesis occurs most often through the mucous membranes of the organism and the serous membranes; they are the most abundantly synthesized gamma globulins, although IgA is not the major fraction in blood; gamma globulins A are called secretory gamma globulins;
2. gamma globulins G are the most abundant class of immunoglobulins; synthesized upon stimulation with antigens;
3. gamma globulin D – their role in the human body is still unclear, and their location is mainly the surface of B lymphocytes;
4. gamma globulins M – in the bloodstream are the third largest class of immunoglobulins
5. gamma E-globulins are involved in allergic reactions.

In addition to the above-mentioned classes, gamma globulin also includes the C-reactive protein, the synthesis of which in the liver is very important for the maintenance of immune processes.

Gamma-globulins – indications for the study

The test is most often performed when blood chemistry tests show an abnormal total protein result. Another indication is the suspicion of congenital or acquired immune disorders. Other indications for the study include:

1. Clinical conditions with decreased immunity.

2. Diseases of the digestive tract with protein loss (eg chronic liver diseases).

3. Kidney disease.

4. nephrotic syndrome.

5. Cancer.

Gamma-globulins – a study

1. Material for gamma-globulin testing: serum.

2. Preparation for gamma-globulin testing: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).

3. The course of the study: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.

4. Waiting time for the gamma-globulin result: 1 Day.

5. Norma: 5 to 15 g / L (8,1-19,9% ​​of total protein).

6. Notes: Othe importance of γ-globulin concentration is an element of serum protein electrophoresis.

Gamma-globuliny a normy

Serum gamma globulin levels can be expressed both in absolute and percentage terms. In the first case, the standard for the test is from 5 to 15 g / l in terms of the percentage ratio – gamma globulin is 8,1-19,9% ​​of the total protein. The values ​​will vary depending on the age of the patient.

The normal result for immunoglobulin G concentration is:

1. in a newborn (up to 1 month of age) – 251-906 mg / dl,
2. in a child from the 2nd month to the 1st year of age, they may vary greatly from month to month and range from 172 to even 1069 mg / dl,
3. in older children they are slightly higher – from 345 to 1572 mg / dl,
4. the norm of IgG in adults is 639-1349 mg / dl.

The correct result for IgM concentration will be:

1. newborns – 20-87 mg / dl,
2. child from 2. months to the 1st year of age, the norms vary from month to month and range from 33 to 149 mg / dl,
3. older children – 43-242 mg / dl,
4. in adults – 56-152 mg / dL.

Normal Results for Immunoglobulin A Level:

1. for newborns – 1,3-53 mg / dl,
2. for a child from the 2nd month to the 1st year – 8,1 to 84 mg / dl,
3. older child – 14-236 mg / dl,
4. adults – 70-312 mg / dL.

In order to correctly read the results of gamma globulin tests, in addition to quantifying immunoglobulins, it is also necessary to perform a proteinogram, i.e. a test showing changes in individual classes of globulins.

The norm for CRP (total protein) in the blood is below 5 mg / l.

Elevated gamma globulins

High concentration of gamma globulins occurs most often in the course of inflammation and injection. Other causes of hypergammaglobulinemia, or high gamma globulin in the blood, include:

1. increased production of monoclonal antibodies (synthesized in the course of monoclonal gammapathies);
2. cirrhosis of the liver
3. AIDS,
4. parasitic infections,
5. bacterial infections,
6. szpiczaka manygiego,
7. bronchiectasis
8. sarcoidosis,
9. macroglobulinemia Waldenströma,
10. collagenozy,
11. rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Lowered gamma-globulins

Gamma-globulins below the norm may occur in the course of the following ailments:

1. cancers,
2. chemotherapy,
3. radiotherapy,
4. tumor metastasis to the bone (bone marrow function is disturbed and the synthesis of immunoglobulins is reduced),
5. the use of certain medications,
6. alcoholism,
7. acute malnutrition,
8. nephrotic syndrome (immunoglobulins are lost in the urine),
9. extensive burns,
10. sepsis,
11. therapy with immunosuppressants,
12. congenital disorders of immunoglobulin synthesis (hypogammaglobulinemia).