Haemopexin

Immunology

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Description

Haemopexin is a beta-glycoprotein which binds the haem component of haemoglobin. On degradation of haemoglobin, the four haem subunits become disassociated and the contained iron atoms convert from the bivalent to the trivalent state. In this oxidised form, the haem is bound by haemopexin and transported to the liver where oxygenase enzymes convert the haem to bilirubin with retention of the iron atoms [1,2]. Haemopexin levels are of use in the assessment of intravascular haemolysis, particularly when haptoglobin has been exhausted [1]. A decrease in plasma haemopexin concentration reflects a recent release of haem compounds in the extracellular compartment [3].

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Indications

Diagnosis and monitoring of haemolytic states.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube).
Requests from outside Sheffield: transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Male : 0.5 - 1.1 g/L.
Female : 0.6 - 1.3 g/L.

Reference ranges established in house and by PRU collaboration.

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Turnaround Time

Within 10 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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External Notes

Haptoglobin and haemopexin should be measured in conjunction for the assessment of haemolytic states.

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References

PRU Handbook of Clinical Immunochemistry. 9th Edition. 2007. [Ref 1].
Tolosano E, Altruda F. Hemopexin: structure, function, and regulation. 2002. DNA Cell Biol. 21(4):297-306. [Ref 2]
Delanghe JR, Langlois MR. Hemopexin: a review of biological aspects and the role in laboratory medicine. 2001. Clin Chim Acta. 312(1-2):13-23. [Ref 3]

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See Also

Haptoglobin

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.