Get to know blood plasma and its important functions for the body

Your blood consists of blood components in the form of liquid and solid substances. The liquid part called plasma is made of water, salt and protein. Meanwhile, the solid parts of the blood are blood cells known as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. More than half of the blood consists of plasma. So, what is blood plasma and its function for the body? Check out the explanation below.

What is blood plasma?

Blood plasma is the liquid part of the blood that is bright yellow in color. About 55% of blood consists of plasma, while the rest is red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets which are mixed in the plasma.

Quoted from the journal published in the US National Library of Medicine, plasma consists of 91-92% water and 8-9% solids with the details below:

• Coagulants, especially fibrinogen, which help blood clot
• Plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulin, which help maintain colloid osmotic pressure at about 25 mmHg
• Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride and calcium, which help maintain blood pH
• Immunoglobulins, which help fight infection and various enzymes, hormones and other small amounts of vitamins

The formation of plasma is unique in that there are no organs that produce it. Plasma is formed from water and salt which is absorbed through the digestive tract. Meanwhile, plasma proteins are produced from organs, depending on the stage of development of the individual.

In the embryo, mesenchymal cells are responsible for the production of plasma cells. The protein that is made first is albumin, then followed by globulin, and other plasma proteins.

In adults, reticuloendothelial cells in the liver are responsible for the formation of plasma proteins in adults. Bone marrow, blood cells, body tissue cells, and the spleen also contribute to this process. Gamma globulin, derived from B lymphocytes, will later form immunoglobulins.

What are the functions of blood plasma?

The American Red Cross mentions four important functions of blood plasma in the body, namely:

• Helps maintain blood pressure and volume
• Provides essential protein for blood clotting and immunity
• Carries electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, to muscles
• Helps maintain proper pH balance in the body to support cell function

In more detail, plasma functions often overlap with blood, since plasma is the liquid part of blood. These functions include:

• Coagulation (blood clotting). Fibrinogen in plasma plays a major role in blood clotting along with thrombin and coagulation factor X.
• Defense of the body. Immunoglobulins and antibodies in plasma play an important role in the body's defense against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
• Maintenance of osmotic pressure. The colloid osmotic pressure is maintained at approximately 25 mmHg by plasma proteins such as albumin.
• Nutrition. Transport of nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins which are absorbed from the digestive tract to various parts of the body as a source of fuel for growth and development.
• Respiration. Respiratory gas transportation, namely carrying oxygen to various organs and bringing carbon dioxide back to the lungs for excretion.
• Excretion. Serves to remove nitrogenous waste products produced after cellular metabolism and transport it to the kidneys, lungs, and skin for excretion.
• Hormone. Hormones are released into the blood and transported to their target organs.
• Acid-base balance regulation. Plasma protein contributes to the acid-base balance in the blood.
• Body temperature regulation. This function is performed by balancing the process of heat loss and heat gain in the body.
• Role in erythrocyte sedimentation rate or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Fibrinogen increases during acute inflammatory conditions and causes an increase in ESR, a type of blood test, which is a tool for diagnosing disease.

What are the uses of blood plasma for health?

Plasma is an essential part of treatment that is useful for many serious health problems. In fact, there are special transfusions of blood plasma, in addition to the transfusions that we are familiar with.

Apart from water, salt, and enzymes, plasma also contains important components, including antibodies, clotting factors, albumin protein, and fibrinogen. When you donate blood, the health worker will separate these important parts from the blood plasma.

These important parts can be combined into various products. This product is then used as a life-saving treatment for people with burns, shock, trauma, and other medical emergencies.

Proteins and antibodies in plasma are also used in therapy for rare chronic conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and hemophilia. People with this condition can survive long and productive lives because of the treatment. That is why some health organizations call blood plasma a "gift of life".

The following are various blood plasma contents and their uses for treating a number of health conditions:

1. Plasma as a whole

The frozen plasma is useful for the treatment of severe bleeding resulting in shock, burns, and liver disease. Coagulants (blood clotting factors) found in plasma can reduce bleeding time and increase patient stability.

Plasma is also used as the first treatment for thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In addition, plasma also plays a role in the treatment of newborns with severe hemolysis or hyperbilirubinemia (a condition when the baby's bilirubin level is more than 10 mg / dL).

2. Clotting factor

Clotting factor and von Willebrand factor (VWF) which are found in plasma play an important role in blood clotting that can produce collagen. People with blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease may benefit from plasma protein derivatives.

3. Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins protect the body from bacteria and viruses and play a key role in the body's defense. Immunoglobulin infusions are especially beneficial in people with immune disorders, such as primary immune deficiency, which is a condition when the body is unable to produce antibodies. The treatment is also beneficial for people undergoing cancer treatment.

4. Albumin

Albumin infusion is used in the treatment of burns and hemorrhagic shock. The journal published in the US National Library of Medicine states that albumin infusion has also been shown to increase the life expectancy of cirrhosis patients. Albumin is also useful in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome.

5. Alpha-1 antitrypsin

Plasma-derived alpha-1 antitrypsin given intravenously is useful for reducing mortality and the number of relapses in inflammatory diseases.

6. Blood plasma as a laboratory test

Plasma tests can diagnose and confirm diseases, such as diabetes based on serum glucose.

7. Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is a temporary treatment that is effective in treating various autoimmune diseases. Plasmapheresis is performed by separating blood plasma from other blood components. This procedure is also known to have the potential to clear up the cause of disease.

In this procedure, your venous blood is withdrawn, the blood cells are separated, and a colloid solution to replace blood cells is put in place. This procedure is also referred to as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) it is also used to treat COVID-19.

Several studies have tested how effective this treatment is against COVID-19. Published journal International Journal of Infectious Disease mentioned that the use of TPE in severe COVID-19 patients showed good results.

Blood plasma contains various components, each of which has its own functions and uses. Therefore, disturbances in the plasma can cause symptoms that bother you.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of a blood disorder, such as weakness, lethargy, the wound doesn't heal, bleeding, and bruises easily. Early detection of disease can make it easier for you to get the right treatment.