Haptoglobin

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Haptoglobin

Haptoglobin (pronounced hap-toe-glo-bin) is a protein produced by the liver that binds to hemoglobin in the blood to prevent it from causing damage to the body.

Etymology

The term "haptoglobin" is derived from the Greek words "haptein" which means "to bind" and "globin" which refers to the protein component of hemoglobin.

Function

Haptoglobin binds to free hemoglobin released from red blood cells to form a stable haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex. This complex is then removed by the reticuloendothelial system (mostly the spleen). In this way, haptoglobin prevents the loss of iron (contained in hemoglobin) and subsequent damage to the kidneys that would occur from hemoglobin-induced oxidative damage.

Related Terms

  • Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
  • Reticuloendothelial system: A part of the immune system that consists of the phagocytic cells located in reticular connective tissue, primarily monocytes and macrophages.
  • Liver: The largest gland in the body, responsible for many important functions including the production of haptoglobin.
  • Kidney: A pair of organs in the body that filter blood and produce urine.

Clinical Significance

Haptoglobin levels in the blood can be measured with a laboratory test. Low levels of haptoglobin can indicate hemolysis, or the destruction of red blood cells, while high levels can be a sign of inflammation.

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