What inflammation response leads to a decrease in albumin levels?

The decrease in albumin levels during an inflammatory response is primarily attributed to a negative acute phase reactant. Inflammation triggers a complex interplay of proteins in the body known as acute phase proteins. Albumin, while essential for maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting various substances in the blood, is classified as a negative acute phase reactant. During the inflammatory process, the liver prioritizes the synthesis of positive acute phase proteins—such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen—over albumin. This shift occurs because the body reallocates resources to more urgently required proteins that help combat inflammation and fight infection.

As inflammation progresses, the body's focus is on producing proteins that can directly aid in healing or protecting against pathogens rather than maintaining albumin levels, resulting in a decrease of albumin in the serum. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for interpreting laboratory results in clinical settings, as low levels of albumin in the context of inflammation may signify an underlying inflammatory process rather than a direct issue with albumin production or liver function.