The Effect of Iron Overload, Oxidative Stress and Dyslipidemia on Glucose Level and Thyroid Function in Patients With Abnormal Hemoglobinopathy

Severe anemia due to defect in the synthesis of hemoglobin and hemolysis can endanger the life of β- thalassemia major (β-TM) patients and sickle cell anemia; therefore, the span and patient's quality of life is highly dependent on regular blood transfusion. Nonetheless, blood transfusion causes iron accumulation in the patients. Excess iron deposits in vital organs, such as liver, heart and endocrine glands, result in their malfunction. Endocrinopathies account as one of the most common iron overload complications. Oxidative stress is a major mechanism contributing to the progression of the disease in TDT. Iron overload enhances oxidative stress in patients with TDT. Iron is recognized to be a catalyst in developing reactive oxygen species (ROS).

MDA is an eosinophilic enol compound that reacts with the structural and functional cellular protein to generate toxic lipoxidation end product destined for cellular damage of the affected organs. It is used as a sensitive biomarker for oxidative stress. Disturbances in serum lipids and carbohydrates homoeostasis as well as OS were documented in β-TM and sickle cell anemia. Increase in serum levels total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are the well-known causative factors and predictors of CHD development and endocrine abnormality