Haptoglobin (Hp) is a hemoglobin (Hb) binding protein which plays an important role in neutralizing oxidation reactions stimulated by heme-derived iron. Differences in Hp types due to the polymorphic nature of the gene have led to the discovery that individuals carrying the Hp 2-2 genotype are at increased risk of developing vascular complications in the setting of diabetes. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy related disease that is thought to be caused by increases in oxidative stress. The role of Hp polymorphism is determining preeclampsia has been addressed by several clinical studies but the results have been contradictory. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to answer this important question.
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