Ceruloplasmin

Why this test?

For the diagnosis of Wilson-Konovalov disease, as well as congenital disorders directly related to a reduced level of ceruloplasmin and excessive accumulation of copper in the liver, brain and other organs (together with a test for copper in blood and / or urine).

In the differential diagnosis of the above-mentioned and other pathologies accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of copper in the blood

In what cases is it prescribed?

With the following symptoms: tremors, impaired muscle tone, the presence of Fleischer's rings (a brown rim around the iris), growth retardation, jaundice, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, walking, anemia, nausea, abdominal pain.

Rarely, when copper deficiency is suspected.

When monitoring the course of Wilson-Konovalov disease, as well as when evaluating the results of therapy for this pathology.

Test information

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing ferroxidase that is involved in iron metabolism and many redox reactions. Copper is a vital mineral that enters the body with food. It is absorbed in the intestines and transferred to the liver, where it accumulates or is used for the synthesis of some enzymes. In the liver, copper joins apoceruloplasmin with the formation of a molecule of ceruloplasmin, which is released into the general bloodstream. About 95% of all copper in the body is combined with apoceruloplasmin, so determining the amount of ceruloplasmin is one of the main methods that help in the diagnosis of Wilson-Konovalov disease and in the assessment of copper metabolism. In Wilson-Konovalov disease, the mobilization of copper from the liver suffers due to low production of ceruloplasmin.

Ceruloplasmin also belongs to the group of alpha-2-globulins, that is, it is a protein of the acute phase of inflammation. Its amount increases with stress, pregnancy, infectious and autoimmune diseases.