European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Serum proteins also known as blood or plasma proteins are proteins present in
blood that serve many different functions, including transport of lipids, hormones,
vitamins, and minerals in the circulatory system and the regulation of acellular activity
and functioning of the immune system. Other blood proteins act as enzymes, complement
components, protease inhibitors, or kinin precursors. Although serum proteins have very
high concentrations, they exhibit an uneven distribution in terms of composition. That is,
only about 22 proteins account for 99% of all the serum proteins. These include serum
albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen. The remainder 1% of blood proteins is composed of
low abundance circulatory proteins, as well as proteins secreted by live, apoptotic, and
necrotic cells. Most blood proteins are secreted by the liver and intestines except for the
gamma globulins, which are synthesized by the immune system. In this study we aimed to
analyse the serum samples taken from gastric cancer patients and compared with healthy
serum samples. We estimated the serum samples using Bradford method of protein
estimation and performed SDS PAGE analysis. This article highlights the importance of
serum sample collection, handling and storage with respect to consideration towards
protein-based studies using serum samples.