Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and their relation to premature atherosclerosis in β-thalassemia children.

Background/objectives: Beta (β)-thalassemia adults are prone to premature atherosclerosis but data about this complication among thalassemia children are few. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are inflammatory markers that could be implicated in atherosclerotic process. We investigated Lp-PLA2 and TNF-α levels in β-thalassemia children and their relation to subclinical atherosclerosis.