RBP is a serum protein of approximately 22 kDa, synthesized in the liver, with a half-life of 12 h. Its normal value is 30–60 mg/L. Its function is to transport retinol into circulation. Its increase could indicate an acute change in the patient’s nutritional status. Indeed, this protein responds readily to nutritional depletion because of its small body pool and very short half-life. However, RBP levels are reduced due to protein restriction and deficiency of vitamin A and zinc, which are essential for its proper functioning. In addition, RBP is degraded in the kidney, and consequently, its levels are increased in patients with renal impairment.

In summary, prealbumin and RBP represent the most reliable biomarkers for assessing the short-term effects of nutritional changes because of their rapid turnover. Albumin, on the other hand, has a greater body reserve and a longer half- life; consequently, it represents an indicator of long-term changes in protein status. Table 1 summarizes the characteristics of albumin, transferrin, and prealbumin.

Table1. Characteristics of protein biomarkers

مواضيع ذات صلة

HIV serologic and virologic testing

HIV RNA quantification (HIV viral load)

Molecules involved in Lipoprotein metabolism

Lipoproteins

Direct Visualization Of The Organism

Direct Detection Methods for Bacillus and Similar Organisms

HIV drug resistance testing (HIV genotype)

herpes simplex (Herpesvirus types 1 and 2, Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 [HSV 1, HSV 2], Herpes genitalis)

hepatitis virus studies

Biomarkers of Nutritional Status

Malnutrition

hemoglobin (Hb, Hgb)