Elevated plasma chemokine CCL18/PARC in beta-thalassemia

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Plasma CCL18/PARC is elevated in Gaucher disease.
• Chitotriosidase is elevated in Gaucher disease and beta-thalassemia.
• Lipid accumulation occurs in macrophages in both Gaucher disease and beta-thalassemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma CCL18/PARC levels in beta-thalassemia major patients.
• To compare CCL18/PARC levels in beta-thalassemia major with Gaucher disease patients.
• To explore correlations between CCL18/PARC, iron overload, and therapy in beta-thalassemia.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of plasma CCL18/PARC levels in 36 beta-thalassemia major patients and 36 controls.
• Comparison of CCL18/PARC levels with those in 28 Gaucher disease patients.
• Correlation analysis of CCL18/PARC with iron chelation therapy, ferritin, and chitotriosidase levels.

Main Results:

• Plasma CCL18/PARC levels were significantly increased in beta-thalassemia major patients (median 650.8 ng/ml) compared to controls (median 33 ng/ml).
• CCL18/PARC levels in beta-thalassemia major were lower than in Gaucher disease patients (median 2538.2 ng/ml).
• CCL18/PARC showed a negative correlation with iron chelation therapy and a positive correlation with ferritin and chitotriosidase levels.

Conclusions:

• Beta-thalassemia major patients exhibit elevated plasma CCL18/PARC levels.
• CCL18/PARC may serve as a biomarker for monitoring iron overload and therapy compliance in beta-thalassemia.