Lung functions and oxidative status in sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait

Nitin Ashok John; John Jyoti; Dhanapal Niraimathi; Sajja Venkatappa Umadevi; Krishnan Puviarasan; Madhura Abhishek

Nitin Ashok John Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Kathirkamam, Pondicherry - 605 014, India.
John Jyoti Department of Biochemistry, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India
Dhanapal Niraimathi Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Kathirkamam, Pondicherry - 605 014, India.
Sajja Venkatappa Umadevi Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Kathirkamam, Pondicherry - 605 014, India.
Krishnan Puviarasan Department of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Kathirkamam, Pondicherry - 605 014, India.
Madhura Abhishek Department of Pediatrics, Prestige Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Keywords: Lung function, Oxidative stress, Sickle cell disease, Sickle cell trait

Abstract

Background and Aim: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hemoglobinopathy. SCD is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species resulting in hemolysis, endothelial dysfunction, cell adhesion, and vaso‑occlusion. Pulmonary disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in SCD. Hence, in the present study we have planned to assess the pro‑oxidant and anti‑oxidant status and lung function tests in patients with SCD, and sickle cell trait (SCT). Methods: Freshly diagnosed cases of SCD and SCT (based on sickle cell hemoglobin [HbSS] and normal hemoglobin [HbA] pattern by hemoglobin electrophoresis) were included in the study. The lung function tests and oxidative stress parameters namely plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and plasma Vitamin C levels were assessed. Results: Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, maximum mid‑expiratory flow rate, peak expiratory flow rate and maximum voluntary ventilation were reduced in patients with SCD and SCT. MDA and SOD levels increased significantly and Vitamin C levels decreased significantly in both homozygous and heterozygous cases of sickle cell anemia. Conclusion: The lung functions were compromised, and oxidative stress was increased in patients with SCD and SCT. The changes were more in SCD.