Increased serum heat shock protein 27 antibody titers and prooxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with beta-thalassemia major.

Objective: Determination of the serum heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) antibody titers and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in patients with thalassemia as markers of cell and oxidative stress, respectively.

Methods: Serum PAB and anti-Hsp27 antibody titers were measured in 140 patients with thalassemia major and 140 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers.

Results: A significantly higher serum PAB value was observed in patients in comparison to controls.