Zinc deficiency and blood lymphocyte function with sickle cell disease

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with immune dysregulation.
• Previous research suggests a potential link between zinc deficiency and impaired lymphocyte function in children with SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between zinc status and lymphocyte function in children with SCD.
• To assess B and T lymphocyte numbers and function in children with SCD and varying zinc levels.

Main Methods:

• Compared lymphocyte populations (B and T cells) and function in three groups: healthy children, SCD children with normal zinc, and SCD children with low zinc.
• Assessed immune responses including cutaneous antigen response, antibody titres, white blood cell counts, and mitogen responses.
• Investigated the effect of SCD-D sera and in vitro zinc supplementation on lymphocyte function.

Main Results:

• B cell and T cell percentages, cutaneous antigen responses, and tetanus antibody titres were similar across all groups.
• Absolute lymphocyte and white blood cell counts were elevated in both SCD groups compared to controls.
• SCD-D patients showed a depressed response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), which was not improved by in vitro zinc addition.

Conclusions:

• B cell function and T cell-dependent delayed hypersensitivity are normal in children with SCD, irrespective of zinc status.
• Zinc deficiency in SCD may be associated with an abnormality in T helper cell function, independent of serum inhibitors.