Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5898209 | Cytokine | 2011 | 6 Pages |
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a common, severe monogenetic disorder characterized by chronic hemolysis, frequent infections, a chronic inflammatory state and recurrent occlusions of the microcirculation, resulting in painful crises, organ damage and premature death. This study evaluated associations between serum levels of IL-18, uric acid, hemolytic markers, and inflammatory molecules in SCA patients. A cross-sectional study was performed including 45 SCA patients (median age of 20.5Â years) without general symptoms and who had not undergone blood transfusions. Inclusion criteria for the steady-state SCA patients were the absence of hospitalization and the absence of infections. Interleukin-18 and uric acid levels were correlated closely with markers of hemolysis, endothelial dysfunction and others cytokines levels. These findings suggest probable influences of IL-18 and uric acid in the pathophysiology of vascular occlusion in SCA. Additional studies should be performed to characterize similar prognosis markers and possible therapeutic targets.
⺠We observed a positive correlation between IL-18 and uric acid. ⺠Classical markers of prognosis were associated with IL-18 and uric acid. ⺠The inflammasome probably contributes or influences vascular events in SCA. ⺠We suggest the IL-18 and uric acid as important biomarkers in monitoring SCA patients.