- With Mayo Clinic hematologist
Ruben Mesa, M.D.
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Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and is a consultant and section head in the Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an associate professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
The Chicago-area native's primary field of interest is hematology with special interests in both acute and chronic leukemias — specifically the chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs).
"I believe patients' understanding of their disease is a critical first step in the healing process," he says. "I believe that the Internet, carefully used, is a phenomenal resource for patients to be able to access high-quality and valuable information to understand both their diseases and various treatments."
Dr. Mesa has been with Mayo Clinic throughout his training since 1991 and is a graduate of Mayo Medical School. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Physicians.
His scholarship has focused on advancing the understanding and therapy of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders. In these disorders, he has been active in evaluating novel therapeutics, implementing clinical trials, working with quality of life studies, and actively involved with national patient groups.
He is supported in these efforts by research funding from the National Cancer Institute, the MPD Foundation, and Mayo Clinic's Hematologic Malignancy Program. He is principal investigator in several trials specifically for myelofibrosis, and is organizing a trial using exercise to counteract MPD-associated fatigue. He is committed to improving the therapy and quality of life in MPD patients. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on these disorders.
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Question
High protein in blood: What causes it?
What causes high protein in blood?
Answer
from Ruben Mesa, M.D.
An abnormally high level of protein in blood can have many causes.
Blood proteins, also called serum proteins, serve numerous functions, including helping to regulate cell function and your immune system. Normally, your blood contains relatively small amounts of many types of proteins.
Causes of elevated levels of protein in blood include:
- Chronic inflammation or infection, such as HIV and hepatitis
- Certain bone marrow diseases, such as multiple myeloma, amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
A high-protein diet does not cause high levels of protein in blood. However, severe malnutrition can cause a decrease in total blood protein. Further testing can help determine the cause of high levels of protein in blood.
