Ceruloplasmin

General Information:

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing enzyme (ferroxidase) that plays a role in the metabolism of iron in the body. Copper is an important mineral involved in the regulation of iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, energy production at the cellular level and function of the nervous system. It is absorbed into the intestine and then transported to the liver where it is stored or used to produce various enzymes. Copper in the liver binds to the protein to produce ceruloplasmin and is released into the bloodstream. About 95% of the copper in the blood is bound to ceruloplasmin.
It is tested when there are symptoms that the treating physician suggests may be due to Wilson's disease or, less commonly, to a deficiency of honey; Where follow-up is required with a diagnosis already made.
The levels of ceruloplasmin are not diagnostically specific for a particular condition and are usually evaluated together with copper blood tests and 24-hour urine tests.
Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder associated with excess and accumulation of honey in the liver, brain and other organs. The ceruloplasmin in the blood is decreased. Signs and Symptoms of the disease:

• Anaemia
• Nausea, abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Fatigue, behavioural changes
• Tremor, dystonia
• Difficult walking and/or swallowing

• Ceruloplasmin is also low in Menck's syndrome.
• Reduced ceruloplasmin and copper in the blood and elevated urinary copper levels point to Wilson's disease.
• About 5% of people with Wilson's disease have neurological symptoms and normal levels of ceruloplasmin and up to 40% of those with liver symptoms.
• Ceruloplasmin and/or copper in blood and urine are low in copper deficiency in the body.
• All causes associated with impaired copper delivery or with copper metabolism disturbances may affect the blood level of ceruloplasmin.

Sample Required:

Venous blood in the morning in fasting

Keywords:

Ceruloplasmin, enzyme, iron, Fe, caeruloplasmin