Which conditions can decrease albumin and globulins?

• A. Malnutrition
• B. Liver Disease
• C. Nephrotic Syndrome
• D. All of the Above

Answer: (D)

Albumin and globulins reflect the body's protein balance, coming from production in the liver (albumin and many globulins) and from immune cells (some globulins). When synthesis is impaired or proteins are lost, their levels fall. Malnutrition reduces amino acid supply for making proteins, so both albumin and globulins decrease. Liver disease impairs the liver’s ability to synthesize these proteins, producing lower albumin and many globulins. Nephrotic syndrome causes heavy urinary loss of proteins, especially albumin, and can also reduce globulins depending on which proteins are lost, leading to lower serum levels of both. Together, these scenarios can decrease albumin and globulins.