What is globulin?

What is globulin?

Globulins are a group of globular proteins. They make up about 40% of the proteins in the blood and play an important role in blood clotting, liver and kidney function, and fighting infections.

A healthcare provider may order a globulin test to check the globulin levels in the body. This test helps healthcare professionals diagnose a variety of diseases, such as kidney disease, liver damage, and autoimmune disorders, and provides information about one’s immune function.

Results of a globulin test may vary from lab to lab, but typically, a normal globulin level is 2.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL) to 3.5 g/dL. Low globulin levels consist of anything under 2.0 g/dL and may indicate liver or kidney disorder. High globulin levels consist of anything above 3.5 g/dL and may be associated with infections, certain cancers, or immune disorders.

The role and function of globulin in the body

Globulins serve important roles in the body. They help transport substances, including hormones, fats, or minerals. Some act as an enzyme and activate chemical reactions. While others support blood clotting or help fight off infections.

Different types of globulin

There are three main types of globulins: alpha, beta, and gamma.

Alpha Globulins

There are two kinds of alpha globulins, alpha-1 and alpha-2, and both have similar functions.

Alpha 1 Globulins

Alpha-1 globulins serve as transport proteins, which carry compounds to other tissues or organs in the body. They also act as enzymes that help speed up chemical reactions. One of the major alpha-1 globulins is alpha-1 antitrypsin, which is a specific protein that protects the lungs from damage.

Normal alpha-1 globulin levels range from 0.1 g/dL to 0.3 g/dL. High alpha-1 globulin levels may be a sign of an inflammatory condition or certain cancers. Low alpha-1 globulin levels may indicate alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic disorder that can increase the risk of lung or liver disease.

Alpha 2 Globulins

Similar to alpha-1 globulins, alpha-2 globulins also aid in the transport of important substances throughout the body.

In general, the normal range of alpha-2 globulin is 0.6 g/dL to 1.0 g/dL. Increased alpha-2 globulins may be a sign of inflammation. At the same time, decreased alpha-2 globulin levels may indicate a breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis).

Beta Globulins

Beta globulins have similar functions to alpha globulins. They are involved in the transportation of important chemicals, hormones, and lipids throughout the body. However, beta globulins also support blood clotting.

Normal beta globulin levels typically range from 0.7 g/dL to 1.2 g/dL. Low beta globulin levels may be related to low cholesterol or malnutrition. High levels of beta globulin can occur if one has a disorder where the body cannot break down fats, such as familial hypercholesterolemia.

Gamma Globulins

Gamma globulins support the immune system by recognizing and fighting infections. They include various types of antibodies, including immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A. Immunoglobulins are heavily involved in the body’s defense against foreign substances.

A normal gamma globulin level falls between 0.7 g/dL to 1.6 g/dL. High gamma globulin levels can be a sign of blood cancer, inflammatory disease, infection, or liver disease.

Understanding a globulin blood test

A globulin test measures the levels of globulin in the blood. It is done by drawing blood. There are two types of globulin tests: a total protein test and a serum protein electrophoresis test. A complete protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. At the same time, a serum protein electrophoresis test measures the level of each different protein.

A healthcare professional may order a globulin test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, which may be collected during a routine checkup to diagnose certain medical conditions or to monitor liver or kidney disease. Typically, there isn’t any special preparation needed for a globulin test, but always seek medical advice before taking the test.

Abnormal globulin Levels

The results of a globulin test can help doctors diagnose various conditions or provide information about one’s nutritional status. Read on to learn more about what kinds of potential problems an abnormal globulin level can indicate.

Increased globulin levels: Causes and implications

What is considered a normal globulin level can vary depending on the lab that conducts the globulin test. In general, a normal globulin level falls between 2.0 g/dL to 3.5 g/dL. High globulin levels can be a sign of the following conditions:

• Infection
• Certain cancers, including multiple myeloma or lymphoma
• Long-term inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
• Immune disorders
• Dehydration

While a high globulin level may allude to a particular disease, healthcare providers typically cannot diagnose someone based on a globulin test alone. They will likely order follow-up tests and gather details of your medical history to help them pinpoint the exact cause.

Decreased globulin levels: Causes and implications

On the other hand, low globulin levels can indicate liver problems, kidney disease, blood loss, immunodeficiency, or small intestine disorders. Similar to a high globulin level, a low globulin level typically isn’t enough for a diagnosis on its own. Healthcare professionals will likely order more tests to narrow down the potential causes of your abnormal results and/or symptoms.

Globulin disorders

As discussed above, gamma globulins, which include antibodies and immunoglobulins, play a crucial role in fighting off infections. Therefore, having abnormal levels of gamma globulins may increase the risk of serious problems.

Hypogammaglobulinemia

Hypogammaglobulinemia occurs when one has low levels of immunoglobulins in the body. Immunoglobulins help fight off foreign pathogens that cause illnesses. So, having low levels weakens the body’s defenses and increases the risk of infection and diseases.

There are two main types of hypogammaglobulinemia:

• Primary hypogammaglobulinemia: In primary hypogammaglobulinemia, low immunoglobulins are caused by genetic disorders, such as primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD). Examples of PIDDs include common variable autoimmune deficiency (CVID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA).
• Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia: In secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, low levels of immunoglobulin occur due to certain medical conditions or medicines, such as an immunosuppressant drug or chemotherapy.

If hypogammaglobulinemia goes untreated, it can put you at risk of serious infections and complications, including organ damage, cancer, and autoimmune disease.

Hypergammaglobulinemia

Hypergammaglobulinemia is when immunoglobulins are elevated in the blood. It occurs when the immune system is activated. It is not as common as hypogammaglobulinemia, but hypergammaglobulinemia often occurs as a result of an infection, autoimmune disorder, or malignancy.

If hypergammaglobulinemia isn’t treated, it can increase the risk of infections and low red blood cell counts (anemia). 

Treatment for globulin imbalance

Because globulins support several important functions in the body, a globulin imbalance can increase the risk of serious complications.

Let’s explore what the treatment options are for abnormal globulin levels.

High globulin levels

There aren’t any particular treatments for high globulin levels. Instead, healthcare providers will determine and treat the cause of the elevated globulin levels. In order to do this, they may order follow-up tests, such as a complete blood cell count (CBC), albumin levels, and urinalysis.

Low globulin levels

Similar to high globulin levels, the treatment for low globulin levels depends on the underlying cause. For example, if one’s low globulin level is caused by liver disease, the next step a healthcare professional may take is to order lab tests and imaging scans to check for liver disease. Once they come to a diagnosis, they will prescribe treatments for liver disease.

The critical role of globulin in health and disease management

Globulins play important roles in the body. They help the body fight off foreign pathogens, support the formation of blood clots, and help transport important substances. Abnormal globulin levels give doctors information about your immune function and general health status, but follow-up testing is typically still needed to determine the cause of the globulin imbalance.