Fatty acids influence binding of cobalt to serum albumin in patients with fatty liver

Human serum albumin binds ligands such as fatty acids and metals in circulation. Oxidative stress can modify albumin and affect ligand binding. This study examines the role of oxidative stress and fatty acids in modulating cobalt binding to albumin in patients with fatty liver. Elevated levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls, indicative of oxidative stress were evident in serum of patients with fatty liver. A significant decrease in albumin–cobalt binding was also observed. Albumin isolated from patient serum also showed an increase in bound fatty acids. In vitro experiments indicated that while oxidant exposure or removal of fatty acids independently decreased cobalt binding to albumin, removal of fatty acids from the protein prior to oxidant exposure did not influence the oxidant effect on albumin–cobalt binding. These results suggest that oxidative stress and fatty acids on albumin can influence albumin–cobalt binding in patients with fatty liver by independent mechanisms.