GDF-15 is associated with atherosclerosis in adults with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia
Alaa Efat1, Rana Wahb1, Sabry Abd Allah Shoeib1
1Faculty of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology Menoufia University Shebin Al-Kom Menoufia Egypt.
Insights
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is elevated in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDβT) patients. Higher GDF-15 and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) indicate increased atherosclerosis risk in adults with TDβT.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Thalassemia is a genetic anemia causing iron overload and complications.
- Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) predicts mortality in atherosclerosis.
- Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a marker for atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess serum GDF-15 levels in beta-thalassemia patients.
- To investigate the relationship between GDF-15 and CIMT in beta-thalassemia.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study included 60 transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDβT) patients and 30 healthy controls.
- Serum GDF-15 was measured using ELISA.
- Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was assessed via Doppler Ultrasonography.
Main Results:
- TDβT patients exhibited significantly higher CIMT (0.08 cm) compared to controls (0.04 cm).
- Serum GDF-15 levels were markedly elevated in TDβT patients (1839.89 pg/dl) versus controls (256.14 pg/dl).
- GDF-15 proved to be a significant predictor of atherosclerosis in thalassemic adults (OR = 39.198, p=0.008).
Conclusions:
- Serum GDF-15 is elevated in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDβT).
- Increased CIMT and GDF-15 levels in TDβT patients suggest subclinical atherosclerosis.
- GDF-15 is associated with and predicts atherosclerosis in thalassemic adults.
Objectives:
To study serum growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) serum level in β-thalassemia patients and its relation to carotid intima-media thickness.
Background:
Thalassemia is a common genetic disease resulting in decreased beta-chains, leading to manifested anemia. It may be subsequently complicated by iron overload, which induces numerous morbidities and even death. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a strong and independent predictor of mortality and disease progression in patients with atherosclerosis alongside with carotid-intimal media thickness (CIMT).
Patients And Methods:
This monocentric case-control study was done on 90 subjects in the period from January 2020 to March 2021. Sixty transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDβT) cases (≥18 years) were selected from the thalassemia clinic of Hematology division at Menoufia University hospitals. We included also 30 sex and age matched healthy as the controls. Routine investigations were done beside. Serum GDF-15 was measured by ELISA. CIMT was measured by Doppler Ultrasonography.
Results:
CIMT on both sides was statistically significant higher in cases (median of 0.08 cm) than in the controls (median of 0.04). GDF-15 was also significantly higher in cases (median of 1839.89 pg/dl) than in controls (median of 256.14 pg/dl). So, we found that GDF-15 is a predictor of and associated with atherosclerosis in thalassemic adults (OR = 39.198, p value 0.008, 95% CI: 2.576-596.5).
Conclusion:
GDF- 15 is increased in TDβT. CIMT (as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis) is increased in these patients alongside with GDF-15, is a predictor, and associated with atherosclerosis in thalassemic adults.
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