METHEMALBUMIN Meaning and
Definition
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Methemalbumin is a complex compound formed by the binding of albumin and methemoglobin within the bloodstream. It is the result of a reaction between methemoglobin, an altered form of hemoglobin lacking enzymatic activity, and albumin, a major protein found in blood plasma.
When the concentration of methemoglobin increases in the blood due to the presence of certain drugs, chemicals, or genetic disorders, it can react with albumin to form methemalbumin. This reaction occurs through a process called metalloprotease activity, which enables the binding of the two compounds. Methemalbumin formation can also take place in certain pathological conditions, such as methemoglobinemia, an uncommon condition characterized by an abnormal level of methemoglobin in the blood.
The presence of methemalbumin in the bloodstream can have clinical significance as it may affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin. Methemalbumin has a reduced oxygen affinity compared to normal hemoglobin, resulting in poor oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. This impairment in oxygen transport can lead to symptoms such as cyanosis, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Furthermore, the detection and measurement of methemalbumin in blood samples can be utilized as a diagnostic tool for identifying methemoglobinemia or monitoring the response to treatment. Specialized laboratory techniques, including spectrophotometry, are often employed to quantify the levels of methemalbumin in the blood.
Common Misspellings for METHEMALBUMIN
- nethemalbumin
- kethemalbumin
- jethemalbumin
- mwthemalbumin
- msthemalbumin
- mdthemalbumin
- mrthemalbumin
- m4themalbumin
- m3themalbumin
- merhemalbumin
- mefhemalbumin
- meghemalbumin
- meyhemalbumin
- me6hemalbumin
- me5hemalbumin
- metgemalbumin
- metbemalbumin
- metnemalbumin
- metjemalbumin
- metuemalbumin
Etymology of METHEMALBUMIN
The word "Methemalbumin" is derived from two components: "methem" and "albumin".
1. Methem: This term comes from the combination of "met" and "hemoglobin". "Met" refers to the form of hemoglobin when it has released its oxygen molecule and is left with an iron molecule in the ferrous (Fe2+) state. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells responsible for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
2. Albumin: This term is derived from the Latin word "albumen", meaning "white of an egg". Albumin is a general term for a group of proteins that are water-soluble and can be found in various tissues and fluids in the body. It is the most abundant protein in blood plasma.
