Oxidative stress in sickle cell anemia can be a prognostic marker for disease severity: A case − control study in the western region population of Maharashtra

CONTEXT: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) or sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder characterized primarily by chronic anemia and periodic episodes of pain. There are reports that increase in oxidative stress may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of SCA. AIM: The present study aims to investigate enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status in SCA patients to understand the incidence of increased oxidative stress in the populace of tribal Palghar region of Western Maharashtra. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with SCA (n = 250) and age- and sex-matched healthy persons (n = 250) as controls from the primary health center of Palghar were included in this study. Informed written consent was obtained from all the participants. RESULTS: Activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-trasferase, catalase, and level of nonenzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, Vitamin E and C decreased significantly in SCA participants when compared to controls. The level of lipid peroxides and activity of superoxide dismutase increased significantly above normal in SCA participants. SCA is characterized by the increased generation of reactive-oxygen species resulting in oxidative damage of various cell types, including erythrocytes and this chronically elevated oxidative stress in SCD might play a significant role in the increased autoxidation of Sickle hemoglobin (HbS), increased intravascular hemolysis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and chronic inflammatory complications. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that oxidative stress can be considered one of the prognostic markers to evaluate the clinical severity of the SCA participants.