Serum and dietary protein

Serum and dietary protein refers to a broad and heterogeneous group of proteins found in the blood plasma and those consumed through the diet. Serum proteins, such as albumin and globulins, are essential for maintaining oncotic pressure, buffering pH, and transporting various endogenous and exogenous substances, including hormones and drugs (StatPearls, 2023). Dietary proteins are vital macronutrients that provide the essential amino acids required for the synthesis of structural proteins, enzymes, and hormones throughout the body (NIH, 2019). In the context of pharmacology, these proteins are not typically considered specific therapeutic targets; rather, they are critical factors in drug-protein binding, which determines the pharmacologically active free fraction of a drug (PubMed, 2001). Pathological variations in these protein levels can lead to conditions such as malnutrition, edema, or significant drug-drug interactions due to binding site displacement.

Other names

Plasma proteinNutritional proteinCirculating proteinFood-derived protein

Nonspecific protein binding and transport of ligands