Abstract
Summary
We report on plasma levels of the porphyrin-binding proteins, hemopexin and albumin for 125 patients with three porphyric diseases. Hemopexin concentrations fell within the low normal range in patients with AIP. They were diminished in approximately half of the patients with PCT and EPP. In some of these patients, hapto-globin levels were also measured and found to be lowered, although not concomitantly with those of hemopexin. Albumin concentrations were decreased in many patients with either of the three porphyrias, but the extent of diminution was not invariably associated with a decrease in plasma hemopexin. A highly significant inverse correlation existed between levels of hemopexin and fecal protoporphyrin content in patients with EPP. These findings suggest an interrelationship between the metabolism of hemopexin and albumin and nonmetal containing porphyrins.
We wish to thank Drs. H. Bonkowsky, S. S. Bottomley, D. J. Cripps, B. Felsher, P. N. Gillette, L. C. Harber, J. Kalivas, H. O. Perry, A. B. Rifkind, C. J. Watson, and L. Wetterberg for supplying samples; Florence L'Estrange and Valerie Riggs for their technical assistance.
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