Haptoglobin Phenotype and Soluble Transferrin Receptor among Tuberculosis

Abstract

Introduction: The antioxidant property of haptoglobin (Hp), variable according to the phenotypes, is associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. Phenotype of haptoglobin is associated with iron metabolism, which is essential for the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A potential link between Hp phenotype and blood soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) has not yet been established. This study aimed to determine the association between Hp phenotype and blood sTfR during tuberculosis (TB). Materials and Methods: With a case-control study involving 70 TB patients and 70 healthy subjects were performed phenotyping of Hp by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel and determination of blood sTfR by immunoturbidimetry. Results: The 3 major phenotypes of Hp were found: Hp1-1, Hp2-1, Hp2-2.  Hp2-2 phenotype was less common among TB patients (17.4% vs 82.6%, p < 0.001). The average rate of TB sTfR was lower than that of healthy subjects (27.5% vs 5.7%, p = 0,014).  In this group, blood sTfR of Hp2 subjects (Hp2-1 and Hp2-2) was lower than those of Hp1 subjects (p = 0.011). However, in healthy subjects, it appeared no association between Hp phenotype and blood sTfR. Conclusion: the percentage of Hp2-2 was lower in patients with tuberculosis. Furthermore, Hp1-1 phenotype and Hp1 genotype were the most frequent among tuberculosis. In spite of M. tuberculosisinfection, iron-dependent, no association was found between Hp and iron deficiency.