Albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA) is an abundant multifunctional non-glycosylated, negatively charged plasma protein, with ascribed ligand-binding and transport properties, antioxidant functions, and enzymatic activities.1 It is synthesized primarily in the liver and is thought to be a negative acute-phase protein. Physiologically, albumin is responsible for maintaining colloid osmotic pressure and may influence microvascular integrity and aspects of the inflammatory pathway, including neutrophil adhesion and the activity of cell signaling moieties. Clinically, albumin has been employed as a plasma expander in many patient populations, although the evidence from meta analyses2, 3 and the recently published SAFE…

• BH
  British Heart Foundation
• DM
  Dunhill Medical Trust
• NI
  National Institutes of Health