Peroxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes in children with beta-thalassemia major

The effect of aqueous extract of Iranian oak (Quercus brantii) on antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia patients: Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Frequent administration of blood in β-thalassemia patients can lead to over-loaded iron, a reduction in the levels of antioxidant activities in the body, and oxidative stress. This study was done to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effect of aqueous oak (Quercus brantii) extract supplementation on these patients.

METHODS

This clinical trial was performed on 60 major β thalassemia patients dividing them into intervention and control groups. In addition to taking desferrioxamine (DFO), the control and intervention groups received respectively placebo capsule supplementation and aqueous Quercus extract capsules (300 mg/day) for 3 months. Serum lipid profiles (LDL-c, HDL-c, triglyceride), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Glucose, Uric acid, urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, LFT (Liver Function Tests) such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Direct bilirubin, ferritin, MDA and carbonyl protein (CO) levels were measured before and after the period. In addition, the activity of catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured in the red blood cell. Furthermore, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of aqueous Quercus were recorded to standardize capsule formulation.

RESULTS

Mean serum MDA, and protein CO, significantly decreased in the intervention group with β-TM after 3 months of treatment with Quercus extract. In addition, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Changes in serum creatinine, BUN, and alanine transferase were not significant. In the study, Quercus extract capsules contain 48/56 mg gallic acid/g (dry extract) total phenol, 58/6 mg/g (dry extract), and flavonoids of 63/8 μg/ml antioxidant power which by GC/MS analysis has been measured. At the end of the study, serum MDA decreased from 48.65 ± 8.74 to 43.94 ± 10.39 μ mol/l after administration of oak extract and protein CO dropped from 2.44 ± 0.38 to 1.2 ± 0.31 nmol DNPH/mg protein after administration of the oak extract. At the end of the study serum, TAC increased in patients interventional group from 907 ± 319 to 977 ± 327 μmol FeSO4/l compared to the control group 916 ± 275 to 905.233 ± 233 μmol FeSO4/l with placebo, and SOD increased from 1577 ± 325 to 2079 ± 554 U/l (compared to 1687 ± 323 U/l with placebo). The treatment effect of Quercus was measured using a mixed-effects model of variance analysis for changes in MDA, protein CO, TAC, and SOD, with significant effects being demonstrated for each laboratory parameter (P = 0.15, P = 0.001, P = 0.02, and P < 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Aqueous Quercus extract, due to its high antioxidant potential, reduced MDA, serum carbonyl protein, and increased superoxide dismutase activity effectively decreased serum OS and enhanced serum antioxidant capacity in patients with β-thalassemia major. oak given as an adjuvant therapy to standard iron chelators may provide an improvement in the OS measurements obtained in these patients.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

This study was submitted, evaluated, and approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT: http://www.irct.ir; IRCT2015101411819N4), which was established for national medical schools in Iran.

The effects of silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Owing to the rich phytochemical content of Silymarin, it may effectively manage inflammation and oxidative stress. We, therefore, aimed to examine the existing evidence on the effect of Silymarin consumption on inflammation and oxidative stress factors by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

A systematic literature search up to September 2023 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify eligible RCTs. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as weighted mean differences with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings showed that Silymarin consumption significantly decreased CRP (WMD, - 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI, (- 0.95 to - 0.04); p = 0.03), MDA (WMD, - 1.19 nmol/mL; 95% CI, (- 1.99 to - 0.38); p = 0.004), and IL-6 (WMD, - 0.44 pg/ml; 95% CI, (- 0.75 to - 0.12); p = 0.006). Silymarin consumption had no significant effects on IL-10, TAC, and GSH. A significant non-linear relationship was observed between the duration of the intervention and MDA changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Silymarin can help reduce inflammation in patients with diabetes and thalassemia by reducing MDA as an oxidative stress marker and CRP and IL-6 as inflammatory markers.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Pediatric Patient With β-Thalassemia

β-Thalassemia is characterized by the abnormal synthesis of β-hemoglobin chains resulting in hemolytic anemia. Treatment involves frequent blood transfusions, which leads to deposition of iron in many organs, including endocrine glands. To date, several cases of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in patients with β-thalassemia have been reported in the adult literature, but there have been none in pediatrics. Here we report on an female adolescent with β-thalassemia who initially presented for evaluation of secondary amenorrhea. On examination, her thyroid gland was asymmetric, firm in consistency, with palpable lymph nodes along the right anterior cervical chain. A thyroid ultrasound revealed an enlarged right lobe containing 3 focal hypoechoic masses with calcific foci. Biopsy was consistent with PTC. She underwent total thyroidectomy and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Her postoperative course was uncomplicated and she was started on replacement therapy with levothyroxine. This is the first reported case of PTC in a pediatric patient with β-thalassemia. The incidence of thyroid cancer in patients with β-thalassemia is currently unknown; however, there may be utility in routine surveillance of this patient population.

Zinc improved erythrocyte deformability and aggregation in patients with beta-thalassemia: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Thalassemia patients have reduced red cell deformability and decreased plasma zinc levels in their blood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) on the hemorheological parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in β-thalassemia major (TM) and healthy volunteers (HV).

METHODS

Hemorheological parameters were measured using LORCA (laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer) after adjusting the hematocrit to 40%. Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H2O) was used for Zn incubation with a concentration of 0.5μg/dl. Oxidative stress and antioxidant status were determined using commercial kits.

RESULTS

Data showed that after Zn incubation, EImax, the area under the EI-osmolarity curve (Area), and Omax decreased in TM. However, no significant difference was observed in the osmotic deformability parameters of HV. The increased elongation index was obtained at different shear stresses for TM and HV, and SS1/2 decreased in both groups. The AMP and aggregation index (AI) decreased in TM, and the required time for half of the maximum aggregation (t1/2) increased in HV. However, Zn did not affect oxidative parameters in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that Zn incubation increased deformability and decreased aggregation in thalassemic erythrocytes. It means that Zn supplementation will contribute to microcirculation in thalassemia patients.

Amlodipine: Can act as an antioxidant in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia? A double-blind, controlled, crossover trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aimed to assess the antioxidant effects of amlodipine in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) patients.

METHODS

This crossover trial consisted of two sequences (AP and PA). In the AP sequence, nine cases received amlodipine 5 mg daily (phase I) and then were switched to placebo (phase II). In PA sequence, 10 patients took the placebo (phase I) and were shifted to amlodipine (phase II). The washout period was 2 weeks. The length of each phase was 6 months. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA, μmol/L), carbonyl (protein CO, μM/L), glutathione (GSH, nM/L), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC, μmol FeSO4/L) were measured in the beginning and at the end of phases I and II. The clinical significance was viewed as a minimum change difference of 5% for each outcome between amlodipine and placebo.

RESULTS

Seventeen cases completed the study. According to the baseline MDA values, the adjusted Hedges's g for MDA was -0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.26 to 0.08. After controlling the baseline protein CO values, Hedges's g computed for protein CO was -0.11, 95% CI -0.76 to 0.55. The estimated values of the adjusted Hedges's g for GSH and TAC were also 0.26, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.91, and 0.42, 95% CI -0.24 to 1.09, respectively. The change difference for MDA was 8.3% (protein CO 2.2%, GSH 3.1%, and TAC 12.9%).

CONCLUSION

Clinically, amlodipine therapy is an efficacious adjuvant treatment with conventional iron chelators for improving the levels of MDA and TAC in patients with TDT.

Elevated Selenoprotein P Levels in Thalassemia Major Patients

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have measured selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) activity in patients with thalassemia major (TM). However, Selenoprotein P (SEPP), which is responsible for the storage and transport of selenium, has not been studied in thalassemia patients. This study aims to correlate thyroid functions of TM patients with their SEPP and GPX3 levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty subjects (40 controls, 40 TM patients) were included in this study. GPX3 and SEPP concentrations were measured in all subjects using sandwich ELISA. Iron, ferritin, urinary iodine, thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), thyrotropin (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and anti-human thyroglobulin (anti-hTG) concentrations were also measured.

RESULTS

Mean SEPP concentration was higher in the TM group compared to the control group. A slight elevation in GPX3 levels was also observed in thalassemia patients, yet it was not statistically significant. In both TM patients and controls, ferritin was inversely correlated with free T₄ concentration and GPX3 was inversely correlated with free T₄ and T₃ concentrations. There was also a negative correlation between SEPP and TSH concentrations in healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study, which has measured SEPP concentrations in thalassemia patients. SEPP levels were higher in TM patients compared to controls. Correlations between thyroid hormones and selenoproteins may indicate that selenium is necessary for thyroid function. Detailed studies are required to elaborate the role of SEPP in thyroid metabolism in thalassemia patients.

Oxidative Stress (Malondialdehyde) in Adults Beta-Thalassemia Major and Intermedia: Comparison Between Before and After Blood Transfusion and Its Correlation with Iron Overload

Background

Iron overload is a major problem in both transfusion-dependent (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). It has been known to increase oxidative stress. Meanwhile, blood transfusion as main therapy for thalassemia increases iron overload. One of the markers of oxidative stress is malondialdehyde (MDA). This study aims to provide data on MDA levels in adult thalassemia patients, and to compare the levels before and after transfusion in patients with TDT and NTDT.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, pre-post study in adult patients with thalassemia major and intermedia that received blood transfusion with or without iron-chelating agents in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Blood samples were taken immediately before the transfusion and one day after. Serum ferritin (SF) assays were conducted by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method, while transferrin saturation (TS) was calculated by dividing serum iron by the binding capacity. Subsequently, plasma MDA levels assays were performed using the Wills method, and data analysis was conducted using the t-test/Mann-Whitney and Pearson/Spearman correlation test, depending on the data distribution.

Results

The 63 respondents recruited consist of 51 TDT and 12 NTDT patients, and their median plasma MDA level before and after transfusion was 0.49 µmol/L and 0.45 µmol/L, respectively. Before transfusion, there was no correlation between SF and MDA, and TS and MDA levels. After the transfusion, there was no correlation between, SF and MDA, or TS and MDA levels.

Conclusion

There is no significant difference in MDA levels before and after transfusion. Although blood transfusion increases the iron load in thalassemia patients, there was no increase in median MDA level after transfusion. Meanwhile, there was no correlation between markers of iron overload and MDA level in thalassemia patients both before and after transfusion.

Effects of three months of treatment with vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine on the oxidative balance in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia

Oxidative stress is a major mechanism contributing to the progression of β-thalassemia. To assess the effect of vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) as antioxidant agents on total oxidative stress (TOS) status and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). In this open-label randomized controlled trial, from May to August 2019, 78 eligible patients with TDT over the age of 18 were enrolled. All patients were registered at the Thalassemia Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Southern Iran. Patients were randomly allocated to the NAC group (10 mg/kg/day, orally), vitamin E group (10 U/kg/day, orally), and control group. The duration of the study was 3 months. The mean age of the participants was 28.5 ± 5.1 (range: 18-41) years. At the end of the study, TOS significantly decreased only in the vitamin E group (mean difference (MD), 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27 (0.03-0.50), P = 0.026). TAC significantly decreased in both supplemented groups at the 3rd month of treatment (NAC group: MD (95% CI): 0.11 (0.04-0.18), P = 0.002 and vitamin E group: 0.09 (0.01-0.16), P = 0.022 respectively). Hemoglobin did not significantly change at the end of the study in each group (P > 0.05). Mild transient adverse events occurred in 4 patients of the NAC group and 5 patients of the vitamin E group with no need to discontinue the treatment. Vitamin E can be a safe and effective supplement in improving oxidative stress in patients with TDT. Moreover, it seems that a longer duration of using antioxidant supplements needs to make clinical hematologic improvement in TDT patients.

Renal function and the oxidative status among children with thalassemia major and healthy controls: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Renal dysfunction is an underestimated complication of thalassemia major.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to compare the glomerular and tubular functions in children with β- Thalassemia major (β- TM) with healthy controls and assess the oxidative stress caused by high ferritin levels.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Complete blood count (CBC), calcium (Ca), urea, creatinine (Cr), serum cystatin C before transfusion and urinary calcium (uCa), creatinine (uCr), protein (UPr) levels were analyzed in fresh samples. Beta-2-microglobulin (uβ2-MG), N- acetylglucosaminidase (uNAG), retinol binding protein (uRBP), malonedialdehyde (uMDA) secretion and creatinine levels were analyzed. Serum total antioxidant capacity (sTAC) and total oxidant capacity (sTOC) were measured with colorimetric micro-ELISA method. Last four serum ferritin values were recorded and the mean value was used for statistical analyzes.

RESULTS

Data from 47 patients and 32 controls were analyzed. The urinary RBP/Cr, Ca/Cr and Protein/Cr, were significantly higher in β-TM group. A statistically insignificant increase in urinary β2MG/Cr, uNAG/Cr, MDA/Cr was also found in the TM group. Proteinuria was present in 46 % (n: 22) and hypercalciuria in 34 % (n: 16) of the patients with β- TM. Serum total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were significantly elevated in the patient group. Serum ferritin was significantly correlated with proteinuria, cystatin C levels, urinary Protein/Cr and uRBP/Cr.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic renal dysfunction is prevalent in β- TM patients that necessitate regular screening. Urinary RBP may be useful for early diagnosis.

Are thalassemia patients oxidatively challenged?

Background

Repeated blood transfusions is the mainstay of treatment for beta thalassemia major patients. Multiple blood transfusions lead to significant iron overload in these patients. Iron overload causes liberation of oxygen free radicals and peroxidative lipid injury. This study has been designed to study whether thalassemics suffer from oxidative injury. It also aims to study the quantum of oxidative injury.

Methods

It is a cross sectional study using cases and controls. Thirty thalassemic patients receiving multiple blood transfusions were included in this study and thirty healthy age and sex matched controls were recruited for the study. Serum ferritin levels, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide levels were estimated.

Results

Levels of all the three parameters were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the cases compared to controls. Mean levels of all three parameters were correlated with serum ferritin levels and number of blood transfusions in increasing order. All the parameters showed fair degree of correlation (r ≥ 0.25, p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Thalassemic patients receiving multiple blood transfusion suffer from iron overload which results in increased oxidative stress.

Polyneuropathy Associated with Severe Iron Overload and Oxidative Stress in β-Thalassemia Patients

To investigate the frequency of peripheral neuropathy in patients with β-thalassemia, and to assess its relation to iron overload and oxidative stress. Sixty β-thalassemia patients with mean age of 19 ± 4.9 years were recruited. Serum ferritin was quantitatively assessed by enzyme-linked immunoassay and biomarkers of oxidative stress were estimated calorimetrically. Electrophysiological studies using NEMUS 2, Galileu Software were carried out. The patients were separated into two groups: those with abnormal nerve conduction studies (NCS) {Group A; N = 38} and those with normal NCS {Group B; N = 22}. Thirty-eight (63.3%) patients had axonal motor neuropathy as evidenced by abnormal NCS (group A), they showed higher mean serum ferritin (p < 0.01), higher mean malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.01), and lower mean nitrous oxide, total antioxidant capacity, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) (p < 0.01) compared to group B. Bivariate analysis of NCS data demonstrated that abnormal NCS were more frequent in splenectomized patients (p = 0.002), and poorly-chelated patients with serum ferritin ≥ 2000 ng/ml (p = 0.001). Significant variables associated with abnormal motor NCS were entered in stepwise regression analysis and only elevated serum ferritin (p = 0.01) was independently associated with abnormal motor NCS (p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.433-51.791). None of the studied patients had sensory neuropathy or myopathy. Peripheral motor neuropathy may occur in β-thalassemia patients at a high frequency, regardless of their age and gender. Severe iron overload may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathy. Other factors including chelation therapy, splenectomy, and oxidative stress might have an enhancing effect that couldn't be proved in this study.

Red cell transfusion in paediatric patients with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease: Current status, challenges and perspectives

Notwithstanding the high safety level of the currently available blood for transfusion and the decreasing frequency of transfusion-related complications, administration of labile blood products to paediatric patients still poses unique challenges and considerations. The incidence of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease in the paediatric population may be high enough under specific racial and geographical contexts. Red cell transfusion is the cornerstone of β-thalassaemia treatment and one of the most effective ways to prevent or correct specific acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease. However, this life-saving strategy comes with its own complications, such as additional iron overload, alloimmunization and haemolytic reactions, among others. In paediatrics, the dependency of the transfusion outcome upon disease and other recipient characteristics is more prominent compared with the adults, owing to differences in developmental maturity and physiology that render them more susceptible to common risks, exacerbate the host response to transfused cells, and modify the type or the clinical severity of the transfusion-related morbidity. The adverse branch of red cell transfusion is likely the overall effect of several factors acting synergistically to shape the clinical phenotype of this therapy, including inherent donor/blood unit variables, like antigenicity, red cell deformability and extracellular vesicles, as well as recipient variables, such as history of alloimmunization and inflammation level at time of transfusion. This review focuses on paediatric patients with β-thalassaemia and sickle cell disease as a recipient group with distinct transfusion-related characteristics, and introduces new concepts for consideration, not adequately studied and elucidated so far.

Relationship between uric acid levels and cardiometabolic findings in a large cohort of β-thalassemia major patients

AIM

to evaluate the relationship between uric acid (UA), hepatic and cardiac iron overload (T2*-MRI), ferritin, endocrinological diseases and cardiac complications in a large thalassemia major (TM) cohort.

METHODS

A total of 369 TM patients (187 men; 33 ± 6 years) were retrospectively studied, from the myocardial iron overload in thalassemia (MIOT) electronic databank.

RESULTS

Multiple regression model identified male sex (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001) and T2* (p ≤ 0.001) as UA independent correlates. Moreover, UA and derivatives of reactive oxygen species (an oxidative index; r = -0.3; p ≤ 0.05) are inversely correlated. Conversely, the multivariate logistic analysis identified low UA (NANHES-III criteria) as one independent predictor for low global heart T2* (p < 0.5) together with liver iron concentrations (>3 mg/g/dw), heart failure, endocrinopathies, ferritin (>2000 ng/l), alanine transaminase (>40 UI/l) and/or aspartate transaminase (>35 UI/l) and/or glutamyl transferase (>64 UI/l).

DISCUSSION

UA appears directly associated to T2* and inversely with derivatives of reactive oxygen species, and as such reduced according to increased oxidative stress and cardiac iron overload in TM patients.

Ischemia-modified albumin as a marker of vascular dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis in β-thalassemia major

BACKGROUND

Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is an altered type of serum albumin that forms under conditions of oxidative stress and an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVES

To measure the levels of IMA in 45 children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) compared with 30 healthy controls and assess its relation to lipid peroxidation, vascular complications and subclinical atherosclerosis.

METHODS

β-TM patients without symptoms of heart disease were studied focusing on transfusion history, chelation therapy, serum ferritin, malondialdehyde (MDA) and IMA levels. Echocardiography was performed and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was assessed.

RESULTS

IMA and MDA levels were significantly higher in β-TM patients compared with controls (p < 0.001). IMA was higher among patients with heart disease, pulmonary hypertension risk and serum ferritin ≥2500 µg/l than those without. TM patients compliant to chelation had significantly lower IMA levels. IMA levels were positively correlated to MDA and CIMT while negatively correlated to ejection fraction and fractional shortening.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of vascular complications in thalassemia. IMA could be useful for screening of β-TM patients at risk of cardiopulmonary complications and atherosclerosis because its alteration occurs in early subclinical disease.

Benefits of Curcumin Supplementation on Antioxidant Status in β-Thalassemia Major Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: β-Thalassemia major, the most common inherited anemia in the world, is associated with imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin supplementation on markers of oxidative stress in patients with β-Thalassemia. Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 61 β-thalassemia major patients. Subjects in the curcumin group received two 500 mg curcumin capsules daily and patients in the placebo group took 2 placebo capsules daily for 12 weeks. Dietary intakes and biochemical parameters were assessed at the beginning and the end of intervention. Results: At the end of the study, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total and direct bilirubin significantly decreased (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively) and total antioxidant capacity significantly increased (p = 0.005) in the curcumin group. Based on the analysis of covariance, a significant reduction in MDA, total and direct bilirubin was also detected in the curcumin group when compared to the placebo group (p = 0.001, p = 0.039, and p = 0.013, respectively). Changes in hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, catalase, and vitamin E were not significant in any of the 2 groups. Conclusions: Curcumin supplementation in combination with deferoxamin improved the antioxidant status in β-thalassemia major patients. Curcumin may be useful for the relief of metabolic complications in these patients.

Selenoproteins are involved in antioxidant defense systems in thalassemia

Thalassemia major (TM) is a hereditary blood disease that affects the production of hemoglobin, resulting in severe anemia.

Chronic iron overload in rats increases vascular reactivity by increasing oxidative stress and reducing nitric oxide bioavailability

AIMS

Iron overload in animal models and humans increases oxidative stress and induces cardiomyopathy. It has been suggested that the vasculature is also damaged, but the impacts on vascular reactivity and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify possible changes in the vascular reactivity of aortas from iron overloaded rats and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were treated with 100mg/kg/day iron-dextran, ip, five days a week for four weeks and compared to a saline-injected group.

KEY FINDINGS

Chronic iron administration increased serum iron and transferrin saturation with significant deposition in the liver. Additionally, iron overload significantly increased the vasoconstrictor response in aortic rings as assessed in vitro, with reduced influence of endothelial denudation or l-NAME incubation on the vascular reactivity. In vitro assay with DAF-2 indicated reduced NO production in the iron overload group. Iron overload-induced vascular hyperactivity was reversed by incubation with tiron, catalase, apocynin, allopurinol and losartan. Moreover, malondialdehyde was elevated in the plasma, and O2(•-) generation and NADPH oxidase subunit (p22phox) expression were increased in the aortas of iron-loaded rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results demonstrated that chronic iron overload is associated with altered vascular reactivity and the loss of endothelial modulation of the vascular tone. This iron loading-induced endothelial dysfunction and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability may be a result of increased production of reactive oxygen species and local renin-angiotensin system activation.

Role of vitamin C as an adjuvant therapy to different iron chelators in young β-thalassemia major patients: efficacy and safety in relation to tissue iron overload

BACKGROUND

Vitamin C, as antioxidant, increases the efficacy of deferoxamine (DFO).

AIM

To investigate the effects of vitamin C as an adjuvant therapy to the three used iron chelators in moderately iron-overloaded young vitamin C-deficient patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) in relation to tissue iron overload.

METHODS

This randomized prospective trial that included 180 β-TM vitamin C-deficient patients were equally divided into three groups (n = 60) and received DFO, deferiprone (DFP), and deferasirox (DFX). Patients in each group were further randomized either to receive vitamin C supplementation (100 mg daily) or not (n = 30). All patients received vitamin C (group A) or no vitamin C (group B) were followed up for 1 yr with assessment of transfusion index, hemoglobin, iron profile, liver iron concentration (LIC) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2*.

RESULTS

Baseline vitamin C was negatively correlated with transfusion index, serum ferritin (SF), and LIC. After vitamin C therapy, transfusion index, serum iron, SF, transferrin saturation (Tsat), and LIC were significantly decreased in group A patients, while hemoglobin and cardiac MRI T2* were elevated compared with baseline levels or those in group B without vitamin C. The same improvement was found among DFO-treated patients post-vitamin C compared with baseline data. DFO-treated patients had the highest hemoglobin with the lowest iron, SF, and Tsat compared with DFP or DFX subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin C as an adjuvant therapy possibly potentiates the efficacy of DFO more than DFP and DFX in reducing iron burden in the moderately iron-overloaded vitamin C-deficient patients with β-TM, with no adverse events.

Respiratory Burst Enzymes, Pro-Oxidants and Antioxidants Status in Bangladeshi Population with β-Thalassemia Major

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is intimately associated with many diseases, including β-thalassemia.

AIM

The study was to estimate the status of respiratory burst enzymes, pro-oxidants, and antioxidants in β-thalassemia major patients in Bangladesh and to compare with apparently healthy individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 49 subjects were recruited which included 25 patients (age range 5 to 40 years) with β-thalassemia major and 24 controls (age and sex matched). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) represented respiratory burst enzymes; malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), and xanthine oxidase (XO) were measured as pro-oxidants; and glutathione S transferase (GST), vitamin C (Vit.C), and glutathione (GSH) were the measured antioxidants.

RESULTS

The activity of SOD was significantly (P < 0.001) increased by about 79% and the activity of CAT was significantly (P < 0.001) decreased by more than 34% in the blood of β-thalassemia major patients compared to the control group. The content of pro-oxidants such as MDA, LHP, and XO was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in patients by about 228%, 241.3% and 148.1% respectively compared to control group. The level of GSH and Vit.C were significantly (P = 0.000) decreased in patients by about 59% and 81% versus the healthy group, respectively; and GST activity was significantly (P < 0.001) declined by 44.25% in patients group.

CONCLUSION

β-thalassemia major patients demonstrate raised oxidative stress compared to healthy subjects.

First report of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an Egyptian child with β-thalassemia major

β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is the most common hereditary anemia in humans. With improvement of treatment protocols, patients are living longer and new complications have emerged. Few articles have reported the occurrence of malignancies among patients with β-thal in different parts of the world. We herein report the first pediatric patient with β-thal major (β-TM), who developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egypt with analysis of the different theories of pathogenesis.

Thalassemia major patients using iron chelators showed a reduced plasma thioredoxin level and reduced thioredoxin reductase activity, despite elevated oxidative stress

In the present study, we aimed to investigate plasma levels of peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) and thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), and the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), in thalassemia major (TM) patients living in the Antalya region, Turkey. The patients were divided into three groups, according to chelators - the deferoxamine group (DFO, n = 20), the deferasirox group (DFX, n = 20), and the deferiprone group (DFP, n = 20), to compare any possible effect of chelators on antioxidative and oxidative stress parameters. A control group (n = 20) was selected from healthy volunteers. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and TrxR, as well as the concentrations of Prx2, Trx1, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), reduced glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the plasma samples of TM patients and the controls. The activity of CAT and the levels of H2O2 and MDA in the TM patients were significantly higher than those in the controls, while the levels of GPx, Trx1, TrxR, and GSH were lower. The concentrations of ferritin, GSH, H2O2, and MDA, as well as the activities of GR, CAT and TrxR, showed significant differences among the chelator groups. Although TrxR activity showed an increase in TM patients due to an elevated iron overload, both TrxR activity and Trx1 level were lower in the patient groups compared with the cases in the control group. As a result, because Trx1 level and TrxR activity were measured at a low level in the patients, increasing the levels of Trx1 and TrxR in TM patients will be a target of future treatment.

A mouse model to study thrombotic complications of thalassemia

Patients with β-thalassemia major and mainly intermedia have an increased risk for developing venous and arterial thrombosis which may be related to circulating pathological red blood cells (RBC) and continuous platelet activation. In the present study we used a modified thalassemic mice model in conjunction with a "real-time" carotid thrombus formation procedure to investigate thrombotic complications of thalassemia. Heterozygous Th3/+ mice, which lack one copy of their β-major and β-minor globin genes, exhibit anomalies in RBC size and shape, chronic anemia and splenomegaly which recapitulate the phenotype of human β-thalassemia intermedia. Flow cytometry measurements showed higher reactive oxygen species generation, indicating oxidative stress, in platelets and RBC of the thalassemic mice compared with wild type mice concomitant with an increase in reduced glutathione content which may represent a compensatory response to oxidative stress, and exposed phosphatidylserine which indicates platelet activation. To elucidate the effect of thalassemia on the development of arterial thrombosis, we studied photochemical-induced real-time thrombus formation in the carotid artery of these mice. The results indicated a significantly shorter "time to occlusion" in the thalassemic mice compared to wild type mice, which was prolonged following in vivo aspirin treatment. We suggest that this mouse model may contribute to our understanding of platelet activation and the hypercoagulable state in thalassemia and lay foundations to screening of anti-platelet drugs as well as anti-oxidants as possible therapeutics for prevention of thrombosis in thalassemia patients.

Lack of correlation between non-labile iron parameters, total carbonyl and malondialdehyde in major thalassemia

Thalassemia patients are at high risk of iron-induced toxicity and oxidative stress consequences. The present cross-sectional study is conducted to determine whether or not lipid peroxidation or protein oxidation is correlated with iron parameters in patients with thalassemia major. To prove this hypothesis, malondialdehyde and total carbonyl were correlated with the degree of excess iron concentration in the patients. A total of 118 Arabic Iraqi patients and 30 healthy children were participated in the present study. Results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum total carbonyls, malondialdehyde and the iron indices of patients as compared with the control group. Total iron binding capacity and transferrin concentrations decreased significantly (p<0.05) in patients with thalassemia compared with the control group. The results also showed a lack of a significant correlation between each serum malondialdehyde and total carbonyl with each component of iron status. In conclusion, total carbonyls and malondialdehyde were increased in thalassemia patients indicating the vulnerability of these patients to tissue injury caused by oxidative stress. The formation of total carbonyl and malondialdehyde are independent of excess non-labile iron concentration, indicating that different mechanisms are involved in injury caused by the labile iron and in the formation of oxidation end products.

Novel approach to reactive oxygen species in nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia

The term Nontransfusion dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) was suggested to describe patients who had clinical manifestations that are too severe to be termed minor yet too mild to be termed major. Those patients are not entirely dependent on transfusions for survival. If left untreated, three main factors are responsible for the clinical sequelae of NTDT: ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic anemia, and iron overload. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in NTDT patients is caused by 2 major mechanisms. The first one is chronic hypoxia resulting from chronic anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis leading to mitochondrial damage and the second is iron overload also due to chronic anemia and tissue hypoxia leading to increase intestinal iron absorption in thalassemic patients. Oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (generated by free globin chains and labile plasma iron) is believed to be one of the main contributors to cell injury, tissue damage, and hypercoagulability in patients with thalassemia. Independently increased ROS has been linked to a myriad of pathological outcomes such as leg ulcers, decreased wound healing, pulmonary hypertension, silent brain infarcts, and increased thrombosis to count a few. Interestingly many of those complications overlap with those found in NTDT patients.

Glucose homeostasis in Egyptian children and adolescents with β-Thalassemia major: Relationship to oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress in children with β-thalassemia may contribute to shortened life span of erythrocytes and endocrinal abnormalities.

AIM

This study was aimed to evaluate glucose homeostasis in Egyptian children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major and its relation to oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major were studied in comparison to 30 healthy age and sex-matched subjects. Detailed medical history, thorough clinical examination, and laboratory assessment of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum ferritin, alanine transferase (ALT), fasting insulin levels, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) as oxidant marker and serum total antioxidants capacity (TAC) were performed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of abnormal OGTT.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes was 5% (3 of 60) and impaired glucose tolerance test (IGT) was 8% (5 of 60). Fasting blood glucose, 2-hour post-load plasma glucose, serum ferritin, ALT, fasting insulin level, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and MDA levels were significantly elevated while TAC level was significantly decreased in thalassemic patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001 for each). The difference was more evident in patients with abnormal OGTT than those with normal oral glucose tolerance (P < 0.001 for each). We also observed that thalassemic patients not receiving or on irregular chelation therapy had significantly higher fasting, 2-h post-load plasma glucose, serum ferritin, ALT, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, oxidative stress markers OSI and MDA levels and significantly lower TAC compared with either those on regular chelation or controls. HOMA-IR was positively correlated with age, serum ferritin, ALT, MDA, and negatively correlated with TAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of abnormal glucose tolerance in Egyptian children and adolescents with β--thalassemia is associated with alteration in oxidant-antioxidant status and increase in insulin resistance.

RECOMMENDATION

1- Glucose tolerance tests, HOMA-IR, and MDA should be an integral part of the long-term follow-up of children and adolescents with β-thalassemia major. 2- Regular iron chelation and antioxidant therapy should be advised for thalassemic patients to improve glucose hemostasis.

Metabolic pathways related to oxidative stress in patients with hemoglobin h disease and iron overload

BACKGROUND

Iron overload is a major complication in patients with hemoglobin H (Hb H) disease and causes damage of tissues.

METHODS

We investigated 26 Hb H patients and 75 controls to evaluate their oxidative stress and antioxidant statuses.

RESULTS

There were significantly increased levels of superoxide anion in leucocytes, nitrite (NO2-), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in erythrocytes, decreased levels of nitrate (NO3-) and vitamin C in plasma, and reduced glutathione (GSH) in erythrocytes, in addition to the abnormal iron status in the patients when compared with those in the controls. Meanwhile, levels of serum ferritin were positively correlated with serum iron, plasma MDA, and erythrocyte SOD in the patients. In addition, the activities of SOD were positively correlated with those of GPx and GRx, and the levels of GSSG and MDA, but negatively correlated with those of GSH. Furthermore, the levels of MDA were negatively correlated those of vitamin C.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the presence of oxidative stress and decreased levels of antioxidants; moreover, the related metabolic antioxidant pathway is active in Hb H patients with iron overload.

Effect of antioxidant therapy on hepatic fibrosis and liver iron concentrations in β-thalassemia major patients

To assess the effects of combined vitamin therapy on oxidant-antioxidant hepatic status and hemoglobin (Hb) derivatives on β-thalassemia major (β-TM), a prospective study of 60 β-TM patients aged 4 to 17 years, was conducted. Thirty-nine patients with initial low serum vitamins E, C and A, were treated with oral combined vitamins for 1 year compared to 21 patients with normal vitamin levels. Serum transaminases, serum ferritin, hepatic fibroscan elastography (TE) and magnetic resonance imaging R2* (MRI R2*) for liver iron concentration (LIC), were assessed before and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, superoxide dismutase and GSH enzymes. The studied vitamins, reduced GSH and Hb levels were significantly elevated and paralleled by progressive decline in MDA and ferritin during therapy (p <0.001). Serum transaminase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased, while GSH reductase was significantly elevated during therapy (p <0.001). Improvement of hepatic fibrosis as 23.0% had TE (>12 kPa) at baseline compared to 20.5% after therapy (p >0.05), although LIC values were significantly decreased (p <0.001). Combined vitamin therapy improves the antioxidant/oxidant balance, LIC and hepatic fibrosis in young β-TM patients.

Protein antioxidants in thalassemia

It is common knowledge that thalassemic patients are under significant oxidative stress. Chronic hemolysis, frequent blood transfusion, and increased intestinal absorption of iron are the main factors that result in iron overload with its subsequent pathophysiologic complications. Iron overload frequently associates with the generation of redox-reactive labile iron, which in turn promotes the production of other reactive oxygen species (ROS). If not neutralized, uncontrolled production of ROS often leads to damage of various intra- and extracellular components such as DNA, proteins, lipids, and small antioxidant molecules among others. A number of endogenous and exogenous defense mechanisms can neutralize and counteract the damaging effects of labile iron and the reactive substances associated with it. Endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and ferroxidase, may directly or sequentially terminate the activities of ROS. Nonenzymatic endogenous defense mechanisms include metal binding proteins (ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, albumin, and others) and endogenously produced free radical scavengers (glutathione (GSH), ubiquinols, and uric acid). Exogenous agents that are known to function as antioxidants (vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc) are mostly diet-derived. In this review, we explore recent findings related to various antioxidative mechanisms operative in thalassemic patients with special emphasis on protein antioxidants.

Oxidative damage and genotoxicity biomarkers in transfused and untransfused thalassemic subjects

Chronic anemia and tissue hypoxia increase intestinal iron absorption and mitochondrial impairment in thalassemic patients. Regular blood transfusions improve hemoglobin levels but determine an iron overload that induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. The aim of this study was to assess cellular oxidative damage by detection of ROS, lipid peroxidation, 8-oxo-dG, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψ(m)) in transfused and untransfused thalassemic patients. We have also evaluated genotoxicity by CBMN and comet assay. Our data show that ROS and lipid hydroperoxides are significantly higher in thalassemic patients than in controls, especially in untransfused thalassemia intermedia patients. Moreover, the latter have a significant decrease in Δψ(m) that highlights the energetic failure in hypoxic state and the ROS overproduction in the respiratory chain. 8-OHdG levels are higher in thalassemics than in controls, but do not differ significantly between the two patient groups. Both genotoxicity biomarkers highlight the mutagenic potential of hydroxyl radicals released by iron in the Fenton reaction. Values for percentage of DNA in the comet tail and micronuclei frequency, significantly higher in transfused patients, could also be due to active hepatitis C virus infection and to the many drug treatments. Our biomonitoring study confirms the oxidative damage in patients with thalassemia major and shows an unexpected cellular oxidative damage in untransfused thalassemic patients. In addition to iron overload, the results highlight the important role played by hypoxia-driven mitochondrial ROS overproduction in determining oxidative damage in β-thalassemias.

Correlation of oxidative stress with serum trace element levels and antioxidant enzyme status in Beta thalassemia major patients: a review of the literature

Beta thalassemia major is an inherited disease resulting from reduction or total lack of beta globin chains. Patients with this disease need repeated blood transfusion for survival. This may cause oxidative stress and tissue injury due to iron overload, altered antioxidant enzymes, and other essential trace element levels. The aim of this review is to scrutinize the relationship between oxidative stress and serum trace elements, degree of damage caused by oxidative stress, and the role of antioxidant enzymes in beta thalassemia major patients. The findings indicate that oxidative stress in patients with beta thalassemia major is mainly caused by tissue injury due to over production of free radical by secondary iron overload, alteration in serum trace elements and antioxidant enzymes level. The role of trace elements like selenium, copper, iron, and zinc in beta thalassemia major patients reveals a significant change of these trace elements. Studies published on the status of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione S-transferase in beta thalassemia patients also showed variable results. The administration of selective antioxidants along with essential trace elements and minerals to reduce the extent of oxidative damage and related complications in beta thalassemia major still need further evaluation.

Nitric oxide metabolites and arginase I levels in β-thalassemic patients: an Egyptian study

Stored red blood cells become deficient in nitric oxide that limits their ability to transfer oxygen to tissues that need it. The aims of this study are to assess the endogenous nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and arginase I levels in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemic patients; to compare these levels in patients transfused with fresh RBCs with patients transfused with old RBCs, β-thalassemic minor patients, and normal control; and to correlate these levels with some clinical variables. Group I was composed of 23 patients with homozygous β-thalassemia on hypertransfusion regimen. They were adequately transfused with fresh RBC. Group II was composed of 17 patients with homozygous β-thalassemia on hypertransfusion regimen. They were adequately transfused with old RBCs. Group III was composed of 30 patients with homozygous β-thalassemia. They were adequately transfused with fresh RBCs. Group IV was composed of 18 patients with homozygous β-thalassemia. They were adequately transfused with old RBCs. Both group III and group IV were supposed to be on hypertransfusion regimen, but they did not follow the regimen. Group V was composed of 21 patients of β-thalassemia minor. Nineteen apparently healthy individuals (HbAA) served as a control group (group VI). In addition to routine laboratory investigations, plasma levels of NOx and serum levels of arginase I were assessed in all subjects. The mean values of plasma NOx were significantly decreased in groups III and IV compared to the other groups. Also, the levels of NOx were significantly decreased in patients who received old RBCs compared to the other groups. There were high serum levels of arginase I in groups III and IV compared to the other groups. There were significant negative correlations between plasma NOx and some hemolytic biochemical markers in groups III and IV. There were significant positive correlations between serum arginase I and some hemolytic biochemical markers in groups III and IV. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between plasma NOx and serum arginase I levels in groups III and IV. In non-adequately transfused patients with β-thalassemia major, inactivation of NO correlates with hemolytic rate and is associated with the erythrocyte release of cell-free hemoglobin, which consumes NO directly, and the simultaneous release of the arginine-metabolizing enzyme arginase, which limits bioavailability of the NO synthase substrate, arginine, during the process of hemolysis. New treatments aimed at improving arginine and NO bioavailability through arginase inhibition, suppression of hemolytic rate, oral arginine supplementation, predonation testing, and transfusion of fresh RBCs or use of NO donors represent potential therapeutic strategies for this common hemolytic disorder.

Malignancies in β-thalassemia patients: first description of two cases of thyroid cancer and review of the literature

β-Thalassemias are a group of hereditary blood disorders characterized by abnormalities in the synthesis of the β hemoglobin (Hb) chains. This disease causes excessive storage of iron in all organs and endocrine glands. Treatment of β-thalassemia major (β-TM) consists of regular blood transfusions, iron chelation and management of secondary complications of iron overload. Endocrine abnormalities are frequently observed. In the last 25 years, the clinical picture of the disease has changed progressively thanks to improvement of treatments. Today, the majority of thalassemic patients reach adult age. The better prognosis and the longer lifespan of affected patients could be responsible for the susceptibility to other concomitant diseases which can manifest during their life. In this context, the possibility and recent literature reports about some cases of malignancy in thalassemic patients open new scenarios for oncoming years. We describe first reports of endocrine malignancies in thalassemic patients.

Study of the effect of iron overload on the function of endocrine glands in male thalassemia patients

Background:

Iron overload is an important issue in the state of thalassemic patients due to the harmful effect of high concentration of iron deposited in different tissues in human body including endocrine glands. In the present work, an attempt is carried out to estimate the effect of iron overload in thalassemic patients on the function of endocrine glands through the estimation of their ability to secrete adequate amounts of certain hormones.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy eight male children with beta-thalassemia, in the age-group of 4–11 years, were enrolled for this research. These children were being treated with frequent transfusions and long-term iron chelation therapy. Thirty age and sex matched children without thalassemia constituted the control group. Ferritin and different hormones were estimated by ELISA technique.

Results:

The results showed a mild reduction in the function of endocrine glands through the decrease in the level of some hormones. These changes due mainly to the hypoxia and precipitation of iron in certain glands and overlapping with the synthesis or secretion of the hormones.

Conclusion:

There is a different hormonal disturbances in beta thalassemia patients. Reduction of total body iron store is an important goal of the treatment of thalassemia and measuring the hormones concentration is necessary for the follow up of the thalassemic patients especially during puberty.

Increased oxidative stress and iron overload in Jordanian β-thalassemic children

β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is associated with abnormal synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb). Repeated blood transfusions in patients with β-thal major (β-TM) leads to an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subjects patients to peroxidative injury. We studied the antioxidant status and oxidative damage to children with β-thal in Jordan. Samples from 40 children with β-thal and 40 healthy controls were used. All children were under 13 years of age. Our results showed that plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were elevated in β-thalassemic children compared to controls together with compensatory increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decrease in catalase (CAT) activity. Elevated serum ferritin showed positive correlation with elevated liver enzyme levels except gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), confirming liver involvement due to iron overload. Serum ferritin also showed a positive correlation with elevated TBARS and SOD, suggesting that iron overload is involved in the oxidative stress shown in cells.

Study of β-thalassemia biomarkers and their relationship to cognition among children

The current study is to detect some biomarkers of beta-thalassemia (ferritin, serum transferrin receptors, and nitric oxide levels) and to examine the relation between these markers and cognition in children with beta-thalassemia. Thirty children with beta-thalassemia were selected from the Pediatric Department at Assiut University hospital. Another 40 healthy children of the same age, sex, years of schooling, body mass index (BMI), and social scale were chosen as the control group. Assessment of clinical, laboratory, cognitive functions, and event related potential was done for patients and control groups. Significantly higher levels of ferritin and serum transferrin receptors with decreased nitric oxide were detected among children with beta-thalassemia. There were significant correlations between serum transferrin receptors and nitric oxide levels with event related potential latencies and with some cognitive function tests and P300-N2 amplitude. Frequent blood transfusion was associated with increased serum transferrin receptors and decreased nitric oxide levels.

Differential regulation of redox proteins and chaperones in HbEβ-thalassemia erythrocyte proteome

PURPOSE

In (hemoglobin, Hb) HbEβ-thalassemia, HbE (β-26 Glu→Lys) interacts with β-thalassemia to produce clinical manifestation of varying severity. This is the first proteomic effort to study changes in protein levels of erythrocytes isolated from HbEβ-thalassemic patients compared to normal.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We have used 2-DE and MALDI-MS/MS-based techniques to investigate the differential proteome profiling of membrane and Hb-depleted fraction of cytosolic proteins of erythrocytes isolated from the peripheral blood samples of HbEβ-thalassemia patients and normal volunteers.

RESULTS

Our study showed that redox regulators such as peroxiredoxin 2, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and thioredoxin and chaperones such as α-hemoglobin stabilizing protein and HSP-70 were upregulated in HbEβ-thalassemia. We have also observed larger amounts of membrane associated globin chains and indications of disruption of spectrin-based junctional complex in the membrane skeleton of HbEβ-thalassemic erythrocytes upon detection of low molecular weight fragments of β-spectrin and decrease in β-actin and dematin content.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

We have observed interesting changes in the proteomic levels of redox regulators and chaperons in the thalassemic hemolysates and have observed strong correlation or association of the extent of such proteomic changes with HbE levels. This could be important in understanding the role of HbE in disease progression and pathophysiology.

Combined therapy of silymarin and desferrioxamine in patients with beta-thalassemia major: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Silymarin, a flavonolignan complex isolated from Silybum marianum, has a strong antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and iron chelating activities. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic activity of orally administered silymarin in patients with thalassemia major under conventional iron chelation therapy. A 3-month randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted in 59 beta-thalassemia major patients in two well-matched groups. Patients were randomized to receive a silymarin tablet (140 mg) three times a day plus conventional desferrioxamine therapy. The second group received the same therapy but a placebo tablet instead of silymarin. Clinical laboratory tests were assessed at the beginning and the end of the trial, except for serum ferritin level that was assessed at the middle of the trial as well. Results of this study revealed that the combined therapy was well tolerated and more effective than desferrioxamine in reducing serum ferritin level. Significant improvement in liver alkaline phosphatase and glutathione levels of red blood cells was also observed in silymarin-treated beta-thalassemia patients. However, no significant difference in serum ferritin levels was detected between silymarin and placebo groups after 1.5 and 3 months treatment, probably because of insufficient sample size to detect subtle changes in ferritin levels between groups. This is the first report showing the beneficial effects of silymarin in thalassemia patients and suggests that silymarin in combination with desferrioxamine can be safely and effectively used in the treatment of iron-loaded patients.