J Evol Biochem Physiol. 2021;57(6):1419-1448. doi: 10.1134/S002209302106020X. Epub 2021 Dec 20.

Integrative Role of Albumin: Evolutionary, Biochemical and Pathophysiological Aspects.

Journal of evolutionary biochemistry and physiology

D A Belinskaia, P A Voronina, N V Goncharov

PMID: 34955553 PMCID: PMC8685822 DOI: 10.1134/S002209302106020X

Abstract

Being one of the main proteins in the human body and many animal species, albumin plays a crucial role in the transport of various ions, electrically neutral molecules and in maintaining the colloidal osmotic pressure of the blood. Albumin is able to bind almost all known drugs, many nutraceuticals and toxic substances, determining their pharmaco- and toxicokinetics. However, albumin is not only the passive but also the active participant of the pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic processes possessing a number of enzymatic activities. Due to the thiol group of Cys34, albumin can serve as a trap for reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, thus participating in redox processes. The interaction of the protein with blood cells, blood vessels, and also with tissue cells outside the vascular bed is of great importance. The interaction of albumin with endothelial glycocalyx and vascular endothelial cells largely determines its integrative role. This review provides information of a historical nature, information on evolutionary changes, inflammatory and antioxidant properties of albumin, on its structural and functional modifications and their significance in the pathogenesis of some diseases.

© Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. 2021.

Keywords: albumin; blood plasma; endothelium; glycocalyx; oxidative stress; transcytosis; transporting function

Conflict of interest statement

Publication Types

• Journal Article