Alpha1-microglobulin $$

Alpha1 microglobulin, also known as protein HC, is a low-molecular glycoprotein with immunosuppressive properties.

Its synthesis takes place in liver and lymphocytes. Due to its small molecule size (33,000 Daltons), alpha1-microglobulin is glomerularly filtered and reabsorbed in tubular form. In case of nierein insufficiency the protein accumulates in serum.

In the case of functional disorders of the renal tubules, alpha1-microglobulin is excreted in increased amounts in the urine, which makes damage to the tubules detectable.

In the case of functional disorders of the renal tubules, alpha1-microglobulin is excreted in increased amounts in the urine, which makes the damage to the tubules detectable. The urine concentration of α1-microglobulin is therefore a biomarker of renal function. The urine concentration of alpha1-microglobulin is used as a marker for the detection of tubular damage to the kidney.

test material: serum, urine

Proteinuria: Identification of tubular disorders

Reference ranges:

• Serum: <5mg/dl
• Urine: <13mg/l

Increased serum levels: reduced glomerular function

Elevated urinary value: marker for tubular proteinuria; e.g. in interstitial nephritis, acute pyelonephritis, toxic damage to the kidneys e.g. after administration of analgesics, cytostatics or aminoglycosides.

Neumeister B (2018) Thyroid hormones. In: Neumeister B et al. (Eds) Clinical guide to laboratory diagnostics. Elsevier GmbH S. 107-108