Albumins are widely distributed in plant and animal tissues. Albumins normally constitute about 55% of plasma proteins. Albumins play very important roles in the body as follows:
– The colloid osmotic pressure (COP): This function of albumins could be applied to various clinical situations including patients with end-stage liver disease, septic shock, cirrhosis, advanced decompensated stage, arterial hypovolemia, and so on.
– Binding and transporting of various molecules: Albumins bind and transport a large number of metabolites, such as fatty acids, ions, thyroxine, bilirubin, and amino acids. Albumins also bind covalently and irreversibly with d-glucose and d-galactose.
– Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions: As scavengers of oxidants (oxygen free radicals), Albumins limit the production of reactive oxidative species, exerting significant antioxidant activity. They are also involved in the scavenging of various pathogens.
– Endothelial stabilization: Albumins reduce injury to the endothelium caused by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species since they stabilize the endothelium and help maintain capillary permeability.