(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Haemoglobin (Hb)

(October-2023)

A recent discovery has revealed that haemoglobin isn’t used by red blood cells (RBCs) alone.

It is an iron-containing protein found in the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
It is made up of four protein molecules (globulin chains) that are connected together.
Haemoglobin forms an unstable, reversible bond with oxygen. In the oxygenated state, it is called oxyhemoglobin and is bright red; in the reduced state, it is purplish blue.
It also plays an important role in maintaining the shape of the RBCs. In their natural shape, RBCs are round with narrow centers resembling a donut without a hole in the middle. Abnormal haemoglobin structure can, therefore, disrupt the shape of RBCs and impede their function and flow through blood vessels.
Haemoglobin levels vary from person to person. Men usually have higher levels than women.

A low haemoglobin level is referred to as anemia or low red blood count.
A lower than normal number of RBCs is referred to as anemia and haemoglobin levels reflect this number.

loss of blood (traumatic injury, surgery, bleeding, colon cancer, or stomach ulcer),
nutritional deficiency (iron, vitamin B12, folate),
bone marrow problems (replacement of bone marrow by cancer),
suppression by red blood cell synthesis by chemotherapy drugs,
kidney failure, and
abnormal haemoglobin structure (sickle cell anemia or thalassemia).