Hemoglobin as substantial object for biomedical studies and diagnostics

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a hemoprotein consisting of the hem prosthetic group and a protein part. Its main function in human organism is oxygen binding and transportation. Different factors can violate native Hb structure. Depending on such factors, hereditary and acquired hemoglobinopathies are distinguished. Acquired ones are associated with the effect of various chemical agents, the modified Hb forms can appear in this case. It is caused by conjunction of different compounds to the molecule (hem and protein ligands). At several conditions Hb binds with the erythrocyte membrane. Changes in Hb structure can disturb its oxygen-carrying function and stability of erythrocytes; furthermore, they hamper the erythrocyte flow through microvessels. These processes take place at many pathological states as well. Because of increasing amount of information, it becomes urgent to use computer medical systems to increase the efficiency of diagnostics, including hemoglobinopathies. In the expert system elaborating by us, the results of the general haematological analysis are used, with addition of the data on modified Hb forms, among them on membrane-bound one.