title: Role of albumin in human physiology and pathophysiology.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, New England Deaconess Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Doweiko
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nompleggi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D002021:Buffers; D003102:Colloids; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D015394:Molecular Structure; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002021:Buffers; D003102:Colloids; D012709:Serum Albumin