[Genetic polymorphism of haptoglobin and quantitative changes in its levels during exposure to asbestos]

The polymorphism and serum levels of haptoglobin were studied in asbestosis patients, in the control and the workers exposed to asbest. Hp1-1 has the highest, Hp2-2--the lowest and Hp2-1 has the intermediate concentration of this protein. In the course of contact with asbest, and especially in asbestosis patients, the haptoglobin levels are higher (for all phenotypes). The standard deviation from the Hp concentration in asbestosis patients was significantly higher. The phenotypes Hp1-1 were found more often in asbestosis patients than among asbest-exposed workers.