Dehydration causes a rise in total serum proteins, whereas prolonged blood loss causes a reduction. When there is a PLE, panhypoproteinemia occurs because both albumin and globulin are lost via the leaky gut wall. Albumin is the main plasma protein that carries electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, through the body while globulins provide structural support to other proteins in the blood. Albumin makes up 50% of the total serum protein. Globulins comprise another 25%. Other proteins make up about 15%. As blood volume decreases with dehydration, the amount of total protein in the blood increases because there is more plasma available to transport nutrients to cells. The kidneys play a major role in regulating the concentration of proteins in the blood. As you lose water through sweating or diarrhea, the reduced blood volume signals the kidneys to release more protein into the urine so that enough protein can be recycled back into the blood to maintain healthy levels. The excess urinary protein causes urine to become dark colored. This is called "proteinuria" from Greek words meaning "to pour out." Protein in the urine is not harmful by itself, but it does require further study to determine its relationship to kidney disease. Prolonged blood loss causes a reduction in total protein because red blood cells are destroyed when they break down old or damaged tissue.