Vitamin D Status and Oxidative Stress in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Sagamu, Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics
• Hematology

Background:

• Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is linked to nutritional deficiencies and oxidative stress.
• The antioxidant role of vitamin D in SCA, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, requires further investigation.
• Oxidative stress contributes to SCA complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between vitamin D status, oxidative stress, and antioxidant levels in children with SCA.
• To explore vitamin D's potential role in mitigating SCA-related complications.
• To understand vitamin D's impact on antioxidant status in SCA patients.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 100 children with SCA (HbS genotype) and 100 healthy children (HbA genotype) aged 5-12 years.
• Serum vitamin D, calcium, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and xanthine oxidase (XO) levels were quantified.
• Study conducted over 9 months at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Main Results:

• Children with SCA had significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, CAT, SOD, GPX, and GST compared to controls.
• Xanthine oxidase (XO) levels were significantly higher in the SCA group.
• Positive correlations were found between vitamin D and CAT (r=0.821) and SOD (r=0.869) in SCA patients.

Conclusions:

• Sufficient vitamin D levels may enhance antioxidant status in individuals with SCA.
• Vitamin D supplementation could potentially reduce SCA-associated complications.
• Further research is warranted to confirm vitamin D's therapeutic role in SCA management.