A study of serum iron level and oxidative stress in the steady state of sickle cell of anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a hereditary disorder, associated with severe haemolytic anaemia, periodical vasooclussive pain, and premature death. Prevalence of SCA is alarmingly high in north Maharashtra comprising districts of Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nashik. Non heme iron and depleted erythrocytic glutathione are associated with generation of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may enhance haemolysis by damaging erythrocytic membrane.

To evaluate serum iron, erythrocytic MDA and erythrocytic Glutathione in relation with possible markers of oxidative stress in the steady state of SCA individuals.

A total of 90 subjects were recruited in the study including 30 sickle cell trait (HbAS), 30 sickle cell disease (HbSS) and 30 healthy controls. In all subjects serum iron and bilirubin, erythrocytic Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentration were investigated simultaneously.

Serum iron level found significantly (p<0.001) lowered in sickle cell trait (HbAS) while significantly (p<0.001) elevated in sickle cell disease (HbSS) compared to control. Serum bilirubin and Erythrocytic MDA found significantly (p<0.001) elevated in HbAS and HbSS. Erythrocytic glutathione was found significantly (p<0.001) depleted in both HbAS and HbSS in comparison of control. There is positive correlation between erythrocytic MDA and serum iron.

Our study suggests, elevated serum iron and bilirubin is result of excessive hemolysis. Depleted Erythrocytic glutathione and elevated malondialdehyde reveals hyphened oxidative stress, further which could be sickling and hemolytic propagator aspect in sickle cell anaemia.