miRNA profile and disease severity in patients with sickle cell anemia.

Identification of biomarkers associated with severity in sickle cell anemia is desirable. Circulating serum microRNAs (miRNA) are targets studied as diagnostic or prognostic markers, but few studies have been conducted in sickle cell anemia. The purpose of this study is to identify specific signatures of miRNAs in plasma samples from sickle cell anemia patients according to severity indexes.

Haptoglobin gene polymorphisms and interleukin-6 and -8 levels in patients with sickle cell anemia.

Background: Haptoglobin genotypes, and interleukin-6 and -8 participate in the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia. The expression of cytokines is regulated by genetic mechanisms however the effect of haptoglobin polymorphisms on these cytokines is not fully understood. This study aimed to compare the frequency of haptoglobin genotypes and the interleukin-6 and -8 concentrations in sickle cell anemia patients and controls to investigate the association between haptoglobin genotypes and cytokine levels.

Antioxidant vitamins C and E supplementation increases markers of haemolysis in sickle cell anaemia patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Erythrocytes from sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients continuously produce larger amounts of pro-oxidants than normal cells. Oxidative stress seems to primarily affect the membrane and results in haemolysis. The use of antioxidants in vitro reduces the generation of pro-oxidants.