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Haptoglobin in serum
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Haptoglobin (Hp) is a blood plasma glycoprotein that specifically binds hemoglobin. There are three hereditary phenotypes of haptoglobin: Hp 1-1, 2-1, 2-2. The first form is a monomer with a molecular weight of 85,000, the other two are polymers with a varying but much larger mass. Haptoglobin 1-1 consists of 4 polypeptide chains: 2 lungs - α-chains and 2 heavy-beta chains, interconnected by disulfide bridges.
Reference values (norm) of haptoglobin concentration in blood serum
|
Age |
Concentration, mg / l |
|
Newborns |
50-480 |
|
6 months - 16 years |
250-1380 |
|
16-60 years old |
150-2000 |
|
More than 60 years |
350-1750 |
The main physiological function of haptoglobin is the preservation of iron in the body, in addition, the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex has a high peroxidase activity, having a retarding effect on the processes of lipid peroxidation.
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