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Antiphospholipid antibodies in sickle cell disease
O Kucuk1, A Gilman-Sachs, K Beaman
1Department of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, IL.
American Journal of Hematology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Sickle cell disease patients often have increased antiphospholipid antibodies due to red cell membrane changes. This suggests a link between sickle cell disease, membrane structure, and antibody formation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Phospholipid structural phase (hexagonal II vs. bilayer) influences antiphospholipid antibody induction in mice.
- Sickle red cell membranes exhibit altered phospholipid structures, with increased hexagonal II phase content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sickle cell disease and elevated serum antiphospholipid antibody levels.
- To determine if structural changes in sickle red cell membranes correlate with antiphospholipid antibody formation.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 25 sickle cell disease patients were analyzed for antiphospholipid antibody levels.
- Antibody isotypes (IgG, IgM, IgA) and specific phospholipid targets were identified.
Main Results:
- 68% of sickle cell disease patients showed elevated antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Commonly elevated antibodies included anti-phosphatidylethanolamine, anti-phosphatidylserine, anti-phosphatidylinositol, and anti-phosphatidic acid.
- IgG was the predominant isotype, found in 65% of patients with elevated antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Increased antiphospholipid antibodies are prevalent in sickle cell disease patients.
- Findings support the hypothesis that red cell membrane structural alterations in sickle cell disease can induce antiphospholipid antibody formation.
- This association highlights a potential mechanism linking sickle cell pathophysiology to immune system activation.