On the expression of haptoglobin in the human lungs

Introduction: The acute phase protein Haptoglobin (Hp) consists of two different polypeptide chains. Originating from the liver; the biological function is binding free hemoglobin (Hb) and preventing oxidative stress. Elevated amounts of Hp in plasma were observed were infection, inflammation and malignant diseases. Purpose of this study was to investigate protein and mRNA expression within human lung tissues and tumors. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and RT-PCR analyzing 115 tissue samples. 47 adenocarcinomas, 42 squamous cell carcinomas, 13 small cell lung cancers and 13 tumo…