Hematological indices and cytokine profiles in heterozygous beta-thalassemia.

Abstract

Introduction

β-thalassemia is defined by a reduction or total absence of β-globin chain synthesis in hemoglobin, causing hemolytic anemia. Heterozygous β-thalassemia, also known as β-thalassemic trait (hBTh), the mildest form of this anemia, does not usually cause symptoms in carriers. However, it can cause alterations in the immune system, such as an increase in the total white blood cell count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate several immune and inflammation markers, including neutrophils/lymphocytes, neutrophils/derived lymphocytes, lymphocytes/monocytes, platelets/lymphocytes, neutrophil/platelet ratios, the systemic immune inflammation index, the systemic inflammatory response index, the neutrophil/natural killer cell (NNKR) ratio, and inflammatory cytokines in carriers of the β-thalassemia trait.

Method

A retrospective observational study was conducted that included 50 individuals with β-thalassemia trait and 100 healthy controls.

Results

White blood cell, neutrophil, and reticulocyte counts, as well as interleukin-6 levels, were higher in carriers than in controls. It should be noted that the group with β-thalassemia trait had higher neutrophil/platelet, neutrophil/lymphocyte, and neutrophil/derived lymphocyte ratios, and systemic immune inflammatory response indices were higher than in controls.

Conclusions

The β-thalassemia trait presents a more pronounced inflammatory profile, as indicated by hematological indices. Therefore, these indices are potentially useful and easily applicable markers for monitoring patients with this trait.

Ana Carolina Marques Ciceri a, Laura Eduarda de Oliveira a, Ana Luísa Richter a, José Antonio Mainardi de Carvalho a, Maylla Rodrigues Lucena b, c, Guilherme Wataru Gomes d, Maria Stella Figueiredo c, Magnun Nueldo Nunes dos Santos e, Vera Lucia Nascimento Blaia -D’Avila, Rodolfo Delfini Cançado, Elvira María Guerra-Shinohara, Clovis Paniz,

Federal University of Santa Maria, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Applied Clinical Analysis Research Laboratory (LAPACA), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

b Ceuma University – Imperatriz Campus, Imperatriz, MA, Brazil

c Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Hematology and Hemotherapy, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

d Fluminense Federal University, Department of Pathology, Niterói, RJ, Brazil

y State University of Campinas, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pathology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

f Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Division of Hematology, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil

g Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo, Department of Hematology and Oncology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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https://www.htct.com.br/pt-hematological-ratios-cytokine-profiles-in-articulo-S2531137925001130