We are evaluating the hepatoprotective effect of a plant extract against a chemical carcinogen. Following treatment of the induced rats with the plant extract, we observed increased serum albumin levels when compared with the control group. Interestingly, we found a significant increase in serum albumin compared to the NORMAL group. Is there any explanation?!
the serum albumin level decreased in case of hepatic diseases or carcinoma or intoxication as compared to normal . The increase in the serum albumin level are observed after treatment with hepatoprotective herbs . This increase gradually to reach the normal albumin level
Thanks Dr. Nehal for your answer. My question is about the significant increase above normal?
The augmented level of albumin may be also due to a reduced turnover of this protein. Several natural compound, mainly phenolics, are enzyme inhibitors and the observed increased level of albumin may be also due to different cause, i.e. enzyme inhibition.
A chemical characterization of the used extract may be of help to identify the active compound/s.
Do check your extract composition first. After GC-MS or HPLC profile you might find some or the other compound that might elevate the level. With extract saying would be difficult. If you dont mind, could you please share the plant name.
There is a clinical study on Moringa Olifeira that observed: '…the crude extract increased serum albumin by 15.22% (46-53 g/l). This value was also found to be statistically significant. It was concluded that the leaves of Moringa oleifera have definite hypocholesterolemic activity and that there is valid pharmacological basis for employing them..." The study is titled Hypocholesterolemic effects of crude extract of leaf of Moringa oleifera Lam in high-fat diet fed wistar rats. You can access it at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10661880. I hope you find it useful.
Maby it is hemoconcentration due to diuretic effect of the plant extract..
Hemoconcentration probably gave an augmented level for all serum proteins and not only for albumin.
Albumin is an important antioxidant and (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3577569/ )
high serum albumin associates with reduced mortality, especially from cardiovacular disease. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/1736588/)
In my work as a physician for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, I often observe high albumin levels, and have wondered why. Interestingly, albumin is produced not only by the liver, but also by microglial cells in the brain (https://www.researchgate.net/figure/a-Microglial-cells-synthesize-albumin-not-only-in-physiological-condition-but-also-in_fig4_23135788, ), and the cells increased albumin production in pathological conditions. From these studies and others, it seems as albumin production is increased as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, it seems likely that high serum albumin may both indicate underlying pathology and be protective.
Best regards,
Sigrun Hope
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