Beta 2 - transferrin

Beta 2-transferrin

Clinical significance

Transferrin is a glycoprotein that binds and transports iron in the blood. It is composed of a single polypeptide chain and twoów branched oligosaccharide chains. Transferrin occurs in several polymorphic forms. The oligosaccharide chain includes sialic acid residues, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and mannose. There are 9 isoforms of transferrin. β2-transferrin is the desialylated form of transferrin present in móspinal fluid, but not in blood serum, nasal mucosal secretions, saliva and tears. Its determination can be used to identify leaksów of móspinal fluid in the craniofacial region. Such leaks occur as a result of trauma, surgery, and idiopathic fistulas. β2-transferrin recognized as a specific marker for detecting even small amounts of móous-spinal fluid in nasal secretions.

Patient Preparation

Material: Sputum