[Is cobalt-binding capacity of serum a new perspective diagnostic marker?].

The aim of this study was to determine the reference interval of serum cobalt-binding capacity (CoBC) and to estimate the effect of factors unrelated to oxidative modification of serum albumin on this diagnostic marker. A group of healthy volunteers (n=194), a group of patients with autoimmune diseases (n=44) and a group of patients with diabetes type 2 (n=50) participated in this study. The regional reference interval was found to be 0,462-0,744 mmol Co 2+ /l of serum. The study of serum CoBC in two groups of patients showed that the CoBC level strongly depends on the serum protein profile. Therefore, this diagnostic test may be used for diagnosing ischemia, but other pathologies associated with changes in a ratio of blood protein fractions can also influence the serum CoBC level.