Prooxidant-antioxidant balance and hs-CRP in patients with beta-thalassemia major

Beta-thalassemia major is one of the most frequent hemoglobinopathies in the world. This is a study on the levels of prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) that can measure the pro-oxidant burden and the anti-oxidant capacity simultaneously in one assay, giving a redox index, as well as an assessment of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with beta-thalassemia major. It also determines the impact both on kidney function tests.

Ninety subjects with beta-thalassemia major (betaTM) and 90 more healthy subjects as the control group were enrolled in the study. Laboratory parameters, serum hs-CRP, and the novel assay of prooxidant-antioxidant balance were measured.

Biochemical and hematological variables, except MCHC, were significantly decreased in patients. Ferritin (p < 0.001) and PAB (p < 0.001) values were statistically increased in patients, whereas hs-CRP (p > 0.05) did not significantly increase in patients. Spearman's correlation univariate analysis showed no significant correlation between PAB with hs-CRP or ferritin. However, there was a significant statistical correlation between hs-CRP with creatinine and triglycerides. Also we found a slight and negative correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin, and hemotocrit with inflammatory factor.

Briefly, we found higher levels of PAB values and a slight increase in hs-CRP concentration in patients, which may be involved in the pathological consequences of beta-thalassemia major and contribute to the gradual development of injury to the organs.