Albumin is an interface between blood plasma and cell membrane, and not just a sponge

Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma and acts as a carrier for many circulating molecules. Hypoalbuminaemia, mostly caused by either renal or liver disease or malnutrition, can perturb vascular homeostasis and is involved in the development of multiple diseases. Here we review four functions of albumin and the consequences of hypoalbuminaemia on vascular homeostasis. (i) Albumin is the main determinant of plasma colloid osmotic...