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Ceruloplasmin
Copper-containing α2-globulin synthesized in the liver that carries ~90% of plasma copper and functions as a ferroxidase, oxidizing Fe2+ to Fe3+ for transferrin binding.
Ceruloplasmin is essential for iron mobilization from cells; aceruloplasminemia presents with iron overload and anemia rather than copper deficiency phenotype. Low ceruloplasmin with elevated free serum copper is the biochemical signature of Wilson disease (ATP7B mutations). Ceruloplasmin is an acute-phase reactant, so isolated values must be interpreted with CRP.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 12: Copper
Ceruloplasmin is essential for iron mobilization from cells; aceruloplasminemia presents with iron overload and anemia rather than copper deficiency phenotype. Low ceruloplasmin with elevated free serum copper is the biochemical signature of Wilson disease (ATP7B mutations). Ceruloplasmin is an acute-phase reactant, so isolated values must be interpreted with CRP.
Related terms
Copper, Ferroportin, Wilson disease