Hemopexin

Hemopexin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HPX gene. Hemopexin is a plasma protein that binds heme with the highest affinity of any known protein.

Function

Hemopexin is a glycoprotein that is primarily synthesized in the liver and macrophages. It is found in relatively high concentrations in the blood plasma, where it binds free heme released during the degradation of hemoglobin. Hemopexin-heme complexes are rapidly removed from the circulation by the liver, where heme is recovered for metabolic use.

Clinical significance

Hemopexin is a potential biomarker for various diseases, including liver disease, inflammation, and hemolysis. It is also being investigated for its role in neuroprotection.

See also

• Heme
• Hemoglobin
• Liver
• Macrophage
• Biomarker

References

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External links

• Hemopexin at WikiMD

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