Medical expert of the article
New publications
Haptoglobin in serum
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
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.