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Citrate as the main small molecule binding Al3+ in serum
1Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Umea, Sweden.
Clinical Chemistry
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Inorganic phosphate does not primarily bind aluminum (Al3+) in blood serum. Citrate prevents aluminum phosphate precipitation, indicating citrate and transferrin are the main aluminum binders in serum.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- A previous study proposed inorganic phosphate as the main binder for aluminum (Al3+) in blood serum.
- Understanding Al3+ binding is crucial for clinical diagnostics and toxicology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the binding of Al3+ in blood serum.
- To determine the predominant binding molecules for Al3+ in serum.
Main Methods:
- Experimental analysis of Al3+ binding in solutions mimicking serum composition.
- Evaluation of competitive binding effects of alkaline earth metal ions.
- Utilizing transferrin-Al3+ stability constants.
Main Results:
- Citrate was found to inhibit the formation of aluminum phosphate precipitates.
- Assumed binding constants for soluble phosphate were significantly overestimated.
- Al3+ primarily binds to transferrin (approximately 89%) and citrate (approximately 11%) in blood serum.
Conclusions:
- The proposal that inorganic phosphate is the predominant Al3+ binder in serum is incorrect.
- Transferrin and citrate are the main ligands for Al3+ in blood serum.
- Results align with previously published findings on Al3+ distribution.