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A study of zinc distribution in human serum
Bioinorganic Chemistry
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Serum zinc levels primarily reflect albumin concentration, not alpha2-macroglobulin-bound zinc. Albumin-bound zinc is the major, dynamic component, closely correlating with total serum zinc in healthy and hospitalized individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Serum zinc is distributed between albumin and alpha2-macroglobulin.
- Understanding zinc distribution is crucial for interpreting serum zinc levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the partition of zinc in human serum.
- To determine the relationship between serum zinc, albumin, and alpha2-macroglobulin.
Main Methods:
- Studied zinc partition in 28 control and 156 hospitalized subjects.
- Measured serum concentrations of total zinc, albumin-bound zinc, and alpha2-macroglobulin-bound zinc.
- Assessed 24-hour urinary zinc excretion.
Main Results:
- Albumin-bound zinc was the predominant and most dynamic serum zinc fraction.
- Albumin-bound zinc strongly correlated with total serum zinc (r=0.91) and albumin levels (r=0.69).
- Alpha2-macroglobulin-bound zinc showed weak correlations with total zinc and alpha2-macroglobulin concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Total serum zinc concentration is largely determined by serum albumin levels.
- Albumin is the primary determinant of serum zinc homeostasis.
- Urinary zinc excretion did not correlate with serum zinc parameters.