Haptoglobin genotype and its role in determining heme-iron mediated vascular disease

Haptoglobin (Hp) is a hemoglobin (Hb) binding protein whose major function is to prevent heme-iron mediated oxidation. The polymorphic nature of the Hp gene results in varying levels of antioxidant function associated with the protein products. Multiple clinical studies have now determined that the Hp 2-2 genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing vascular complications in patients suffering from diabetes. The mechanism for this phenomenon is a decrease in antioxidant capability associated with the Hp 2-2 protein. Specifically, heme iron associated with the Hp2-2/Hb complex is more redox active than other Hp type complexes and has been shown in a number of systems to lead to increased levels of oxidative stress in the form of oxidized lipids and decreased lipoprotein function. In addition, Hp 2-2/Hb complexes are cleared less efficiently from the circulation, leading to a buildup of iron in the plasma and in tissues. Recent analyses from clinical studies utilizing vitamin E treatment have shown beneficial results specifically in the diabetic Hp 2-2 genotype population. The use of vitamin E in the treatment of Hp 2-2 diabetics has the potential to greatly reduce medical costs and improve quality of life in the ever-growing diabetic population.