ALB and serum lipopolysaccharide activity: Results from in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments illustrate the multifunctional nature of albumin including maintaining glycocalyx integrity and partially restoring impaired vascular permeability via release of S1P from RBCs; anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects; improvement of the microcirculation and hemodynamics following hemorrhagic shock or endotoxemia; and acting as an effective plasma volume expander.