Conformational changes in albumin molecule: a new response to pathological process

A new fluorescent test developed at the Institute of Physicochemical Medicine (Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation) allows to determine not only blood concentration of albumin, but also to evaluate the state of its molecule. The test is feasible and enables express-analysis of the plasma and serum without fractionation and other preliminary procedures. This test reveals abnormalities in albumin molecule caused by toxic metabolites or conformational changes. Many diseases are accompanied by conformational changes in albumin, while its concentration often remains unchanged. Changes in albumin conformation can serve a diagnostic and prognostic criterion in some pathologies.