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Vitamin B12 binders (transcobalamins) in serum
Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Measuring vitamin B12 (B12) binders in blood is crucial for diagnosing anemias and cancers. This review compares methods for separating and purifying these binders, addressing controversies in sample selection and technique validity.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasma or serum vitamin B12 (B12) binders are vital diagnostic markers for congenital megaloblastic anemias, myeloproliferative disorders, and certain malignancies.
- Two primary classes of B12 binders exist: Transcobalamin II (TC II) and R-binders, with R-binders further potentially classified into TC I and TC III.
- Accurate measurement and differentiation of these binders are essential for reliable clinical diagnosis and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review and compare various methods for separating and purifying circulating vitamin B12 binders.
- To discuss the validity of different classifications of R-binders.
- To address the controversy surrounding the use of plasma versus serum for B12 binder measurements and the impact of leukocyte release.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of gel filtration chromatography for separating TC II and R-binders based on molecular weight.
- Review of rapid separation techniques as alternatives to gel filtration.
- Evaluation of charge-based separation methods for differentiating TC I and TC III.
- Discussion of purification techniques for B12 binders, assessing purity and potential contamination.
Main Results:
- Gel filtration reliably separates TC II and R-binders, though it is time-consuming.
- Various rapid separation and charge-based methods exist, each with specific advantages and limitations.
- Leukocyte release of R-binders into serum presents a significant artifact, impacting measurement accuracy.
- Purification strategies yield varying degrees of binder purity and potential contamination.
Conclusions:
- The choice of separation and purification methods significantly impacts the accuracy of B12 binder measurement.
- Careful consideration of sample type (plasma vs. serum) and potential artifacts is necessary for reliable results.
- Further refinement of techniques is needed to overcome current limitations in B12 binder analysis.