comparative analysis of serum albumin from different species to determine a natural source of albumin that might be useful for human therapy

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Serum albumin [SA] is one of the most abundant proteins in human plasma and performs functions for protein transport, scavenges for free radicals, and regulates osmotic pressure. SA has been used for therapy in humans with several diseases including hypovolemia, hypoalbuminemia, and chronic liver disease. However, the most appropriate source of albumin for medical applications remains unclear, especially in the case of viral infections, which complicates finding viable donors. Substitution of human serum albumin [HSA] with albumin from other natural sources is a viable alternative. Therefore, we elucidated the similarity in character, structure and evolutionary relationship among serum albumin isolated from seven different species