Blood is composed of several factors, including red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma. The plasma, which accounts for more than half the volume of blood, is the water component and contains both electrolytes and soluble proteins. The soluble proteins are primarily divided into two categories: albumin and globulins. Globulins are largely composed of enzymes, carrier proteins and immunoglobulins. The levels and types of each, which is determined through a test called serum electrophoresis, are indicative of immune system health and potential disease states.
Alpha-1 Globulins
The major protein associated with alpha-1 globulins is alpha-1 antitrypsin. Elevated levels may indicate an acute inflammatory disorder, while decreased levels may be indicative of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a hereditary disease that is associated with chronic lung and liver disorders. According to the Alpha-1 Association, those who suffer from this disease have the potential of developing emphysema of the lungs, cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
Alpha-2 Globulins
Alpha-2 globulins are primarily composed of two proteins, macroglobulin and haptoglobulin. Increased levels of macroglobulin are used as a diagnostic factor in nephrotic syndrome, which describes a condition of the kidneys where proteins are leaked from the blood into the urine. Macroglobulin has also been indicated in Alzheimer's disease. Detection of low levels of haptoglobulin, among other tests, is used in the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia, a condition that causes the destruction of red blood cells.
Beta Globulins
There are several types of beta globulins, but they all are primarily composed of transferrin. Transferrin tightly binds iron in the blood and transports it to cells with a transferrin receptor, where the iron molecule is then imported into the cell. Elevated levels of transferrin are often indicative of someone suffering from iron-deficient anemia. Conversely, decreased transferrin levels are associated with iron overload, or hemochromatosis. Transferrin is also used as a diagnostic for liver disease and protein malnutrition.
Gamma Globulins
Gamma globulins comprise the largest component of all the plasma globulin proteins. Gamma globulins are most commonly defined as immunoglobulins, or antibodies. Antibodies are produced by the mature B-cells of the immune system and are utilized by the body's defense mechanism against foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. There are five main classes of antibodies that include immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE. Decreased levels of gamma globulins are indicative of an immune deficiency. Elevated levels may indicate blood cancers like Multiple Myeloma and certain lymphomas.
