Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Albumin Esterase Activity

Abstract

Unlike many other plasma proteins, albumin is barely glycosylated and plays an important role in maintaining the colloidal osmotic blood pressure; it can bind and transport various molecules of endogenous and exogenous origin. Data on the enzymatic activity of albumin have been accumulated, including pseudo-esterase (irreversible binding of the substrate to the protein) and true esterase (binding of the substrate to the active center of the protein with subsequent dissociation of the complex into enzyme and product) activities. In toxicology, the problem of (pseudo)esterase activity of albumin in relation to organophosphates (OPs) is of the greatest interest. This review demonstrates the literature data and the results of our own research on the protein esterase activity. The possibility of targeted modulation of albumin using the molecules capable of affecting its binding and esterase activity is considered. The prospects of practical application of some methods of influence on albumin in toxicology are discussed.