Serum Antioxidant Markers in Patients with Major and Minor

Introduction: In  major b -thalassemia impaired biosynthesis of beta hemoglobin leads to accumulation of unpaired alpha hemoglobin chain. An iron overload generates oxygen-free radicals which ultimately leads to tissue injury. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate serum antioxidants in patients with major b -thalassemia and those with minor thalassemia in comparison with respective age and sex matched control groups.  Materials & Methods: Patients with major b -thalassemia or individuals with minor thalassemia (Age range: 2-12 years and 29 -46 years, respectively; n=20 each) and 20 age and sex matched control subjects were recruited. Serum glutathione (GSH) , superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT) were determined spectrophotometrically. Data were analysed by t-test. Results: Glutathione levels were markedly lower in patients with b -thalassemia major than in the controls (P<0.05) whilst no differences were seen in either in the activities of catalase or superoxide dismutase. On the contrary, no differences were observed in individuals with minor thalassemia .When patients with major b -thalassemia and individuals with minor thalassemia were compared a marked reduction in GSH levels and increased in CAT activity were noted in the patient group (P<0.05).  Conclusion: The data implies disturbance in antioxidant system in patients with major b -thalassemia as measured by a marked reduction of serum glutathione as the first line of defence against free radical attacks and increased in the activity of CAT. This condition eventually leads to cellular tissue damage. Antioxidant therapy may, therefore, prove useful in protecting against tissue damage.