Glutathione and Bilirubin Concentrations as Markers of Oxidative Stress Measured among Sickle Cell Anaemia Subjects Attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar Nigeria
E. E. Onukak *
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
E. C. Akwiwu
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
J. O. Akpotuzor
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
A. O. Okafor
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
A. E. Onukak
University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed at examining the oxidative stress level of sickle cell anaemia subjects using glutathione and bilirubin levels as markers as well as the red cell parameters.
Study Design: Case-control study.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar-Nigeria, between August 2018 and July 2019.
Methodology: Subjects comprised 45 SCA patients (27 females, 18 males; age range 10-45 years) attending clinic at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar, Nigeria and equal number of age and sex-matched control subjects with Hb AA. Blood samples were collected and analyzed by standard methods. The red cell parameters were analysed by automation using FY-Smart-1 auto haematology analyzer. Bilirubin assay was performed using the colorimetric method, while glutathione was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.
Results: The red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit values of SCA subjects were significantly lower (p=0.001) compared to values from control subjects, while the red cell indices and red cell distribution width values were increased in SCA subjects (p=0.001). The Total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin were significantly increased (p=0.001) among SCA subjects, while the glutathione concentration values were reduced (p=0.001) when compared to values obtained from control subjects.
Conclusion: SCA subjects have marked red cell size variation, lymphocytosis and thrombocytosis. The haemolytic events that occur in sickle cell anaemia results in glutathione depletion.
Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia, oxidative stress, haemolysis, hyperbilirubinaemia.