Haptoglobin phenotypic determination in patients with chronic pain caused by temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

The phenotypes of the hemoglobin-haptoglobin (Hb- Hp) system were measured in 124 subjects, 100 patients with chronic pain in temporomandibular disorders and 24 normal, without any bodily pain during the years 2000 -2003. The system Hb-Hp showed polymorphism Hp1-1, Hp2-1 and Hp2-2, at 100% and 85% respectively; anahaptoglobinemia (Hp0) in 15% of the sample studied. Hp1-1 genotype was present significantly (p < 0, 0001) in patients with TMDs, regardless the clinical type TMD, suggesting that Hp1-1 and likely genetic marker of susceptibility for the development of chronic pain in TMD. Key words: Temporomandibular joint. Pain. Haptoglobin. Polymorphism genetic.