Albumin synthesis in preterm infants on the first day of life studied with [1-13C]leucine.

J.E.H. Bunt*, T. Rietveld, H. Schierbeek, J.D.L. Wattimena, L.J.I. Zimmermann, J.B. van Goudoever

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Albumin is the major binding protein in the human neonate. Low production of albumin will lower its transport and binding capacity. This is especially important in preterm infants, in whom albumin binds to potentially toxic products such as bilirubin and antibiotics. To study the metabolism of plasma albumin in preterm infants, we administered a 24-h constant infusion of [1-(13)C]leucine to 24 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (28.4 +/- 0.4 wk, 1,080 +/- 75 g) on the first day of life. The caloric intake consisted of glucose only, and therefore amino acids for albumin synthesis were derived from proteolysis. The fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of plasma albumin was 13.9 +/- 1.5%/day, and the absolute synthesis rate was 148 +/- 17 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1). Synthesis rates were significantly lower (P
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1157-1161
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
Volume292
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2007

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