Haptoglobins

A number of adipokines are linked to inflammation and immunity (Fig. 1). This includes both leptin and adiponectin, and also a number of other key inflammatory proteins, particularly cytokines and chemokines [1]. The cytokines and chemokines encompass interleukin-1(3 (EL-1 (3), IL-6, DL-10, TNFa, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Other major inflammation-related adipokines include nerve growth factor (NGF), and acute phase proteins such as serum amyloid A and haptoglobin. In addition, adipocytes secrete plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which is an important thrombotic factor as well as an acute phase protein. 

CRP , complement , PLA2 , serum amyloid A , fibrinogen , c -acid glycoprotein , IL-1Ra , ceruloplasmin , ai-antichymotrypsin , LBP albumin , haptoglobin , IGF-1 , transferrin , u2-HS glycoprotein ... 

These proteins are called acute phase proteins (or reactants) and include C-reactive protein (CRP, so-named because it reacts with the C polysaccharide of pneumococci), ai-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, aj-acid glycoprotein, and fibrinogen. The elevations of the levels of these proteins vary from as little as 50% to as much as 1000-fold in the case of CRP. Their levels are also usually elevated during chronic inflammatory states and in patients with cancer. These proteins are believed to play a role in the body s response to inflammation. For example, C-reactive protein can stimulate the classic complement pathway, and ai-antitrypsin can neutralize certain proteases released during the acute inflammatory state. CRP is used as a marker of tissue injury, infection, and inflammation, and there is considerable interest in its use as a predictor of certain types of cardiovascular conditions secondary to atherosclerosis. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a polypeptide released from mononuclear phagocytic cells, is the principal—but not the sole—stimulator of the synthesis of the majority of acute phase reactants by hepatocytes. Additional molecules such as IL-6 are involved, and they as well as IL-1 appear to work at the level of gene transcription. 

Table 50-2 summarizes the functions of many of the plasma proteins. The remainder of the material in this chapter presents basic information regarding selected plasma proteins albumin, haptoglobin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, aj-antitrypsin, aj i roglobulin, the immunoglobulins, and the complement system. The lipoproteins are discussed in Chapter 25. 

Haptoglobin Binds Extracorpuscuiar Hemogiobin, Preventing Free Hemogiobin From Entering the Kidney... 

Figure 50-3. Different fates of free hemoglobin and of the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex.

Haptoglobin binds extracorpuscular hemoglobin, prevents its loss into the kidney and urine, and hence preserves its iron for reutilization. 

Langlois MR, Delanghe JR Biological and clinical significance of haptoglobin polymorphism in humans. Clin Chem 1996 2 1589. 

Reticulocytosis Hemoglobinemia Low level of plasma haptoglobin Specific tests and findings... 

Haptoglobin type 1-1 1.0-2.2 100 Binds and helps conserve haemoglobin... 

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