THE IMPACT OF HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN β0-TALASSEMIA PATIENTS

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study conducted to examine the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on neutrophil activation and, consequently, the production of α-defensins, as well as its impact on immunoglobulin imbalance in β0-thalassemia.
The study analyzed blood samples from 76 patients with β0-thalassemia (thalassemia major), with a control group comprising 20 healthy donors. The levels of ferritin, hemoglobin, serum iron, and bilirubin fractions (measured via a reaction with diazotized sulfamic acid) were determined. Additionally, concentrations of liver function parameters, including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyltransferase, were assessed.
The results revealed significant alterations in iron metabolism, characterized by increased ferritin and serum iron levels. Disturbances in bilirubin metabolism were most pronounced in the second group of patients.
The study further demonstrated that patients with β0-thalassemia exhibit signs of immune system activation, reflected in an imbalance of immunoglobulins, with elevated levels of IgA and IgG, while IgM remained within the normal range. An increase in homocysteine levels was found to correlate with α defensin content in both patient groups.