Hemopexin

Hemopexin (or haemopexin; HPX), also known as beta-1B-glycoprotein is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the HPX is_associated_with::gene  and belongs to is_associated_with::hemopexin family of proteins.

Function
Hemopexin binds is_associated_with::heme with the highest affinity of any known is_associated_with::protein. Its function is scavenging the heme released or lost by the turnover of heme proteins such as is_associated_with::hemoglobin and thus protects the body from the oxidative damage that free heme can cause. In addition, hemopexin releases its bound is_associated_with::ligand for internalisation upon interacting with a specific receptor situated on the surface of is_associated_with::liver cells. This function of hemopexin is to preserve the body's is_associated_with::iron.

Clinical significance
Its levels in serum reflect how much heme is present in the blood. Therefore, low hemopexin levels indicates that there has been significant degradation of heme containing compounds and hemopexin is made to scavenge any heme it can. High hemopexin levels are one of the diagnostic features of a hemolytic is_associated_with::anemia.