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Albumin Binding

Meaning

Albumin binding refers to the non-covalent association of hormones, drugs, or other molecules with albumin, the most abundant plasma protein in human blood. This process is a crucial determinant of a substance’s biological availability and distribution throughout the body. Only the unbound, or “free,” fraction of a hormone is typically able to interact with its specific target receptors to elicit a physiological effect. Clinically, understanding the degree of albumin binding is essential for interpreting total hormone levels and calculating the true bioavailable concentration.