What is Ceruloplasmin?
ceruloplasmin is a protein that carries more than 90% of the copper in the blood. It is also involved in iron metabolism and has the official name ferroxidase . There is a test for the levels of Ceruloplasmin in the blood that excludes rare diseases of copper deficiency.
Copper is obtained from human diet and is necessary for a number of functions in the body. Although it was absorbed in the intestines, the liver either stores it or produces them for a number of different enzymes. Ceruloplasmin is first synthesized in the form of lacked copper ion. This form is unstable and deteriorates rapidly unless copper is added to it. The liver adds six to seven copper molecules to the precursor form and introduces a copper -transmitted enzyme into the bloodstream. It is not a routine test and is primarily ordered to help diagnose a rare genetic disorder called Wilson's disease . With that, the liver cannot integrate copper into the protein of ceruloplasmin. Toxic levels of copper accumulate in the brain, liver and other organs. This disease is fatal ifis not a person quickly treated with copper chelators.
Chelators are molecules that bind to metals. They are used to treat patients with excess metals in their bodies. Chelators are inserted, metal with metal and then removed from the bloodstream along with excess metal. Different types of chelators bind different types of metals.
There is another rare genetic disease called Acertuloplasminemia , which is caused by mutation in the ceruloplasmin gene. This enzyme usually removes iron from cells. In his absence, toxic iron levels accumulate in the liver, brain, pancreatic and retina. As individuals reach the middle age, diabetes and symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop. This can be stopped by the progression of these complications by treatment with a cheral agent.
Other reasons for low ceruloplasminal levels include a very rare syndrome known as Menkes' disease . Copper lackIt is another reason, as well as overdose with vitamin C. The low levels themselves cannot be used to diagnose a specific condition. The results are usually considered along with tests on copper levels.
reasons for elevated levels may include serious infection, tissue damage and chronic and acute inflammation. Pregnancy is another reason for the increased level of ceruloplasmin. Other reasons may include lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and various cancer-spols with brain disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The use of oral contraceptives and estrogen can also cause increased levels.