Serum Levels of Gamma-interferon and Interleukin-4 in Homozygous Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients
Omotola T. Ojo *
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
Wuraola A. Shokunbi
Department of Haematology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Ajayi A. Ibijola
Department of Haematology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Ganiyu A. Arinola
Department of Chemical Pathology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Philip O. Olatunji
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
Akeem O. Lasisi
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Ayorinde F. Fayehun
Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Impaired leucocytes functions is among mechanisms that have been reported to account for the immunocompromised state of patients with sickle cell disease.
Objective: This study assessed cellular immunity using serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA).
Methods: The study comprised of 40 sickle cell anaemia patients in steady state (asymptomatic for at least 4 weeks) and 40 age and sex-matched healthy HbA control. Serum IFN-γ and IL-4 was determined by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as described by the manufacturer of the kit.
Results: There was a significant increase in the IFN-γ level in sickle cell anaemia patients in steady state (median value 86.1 pg/ml) compared with HbA controls (median value 55.8 pg/ml) (p=0.04). However, there was no significant difference in the median values of IL-4 level between the HbS (homozygous inheritance of sickle gene) patients and the control subjects (IL-4: p=0.42).
Conclusion: High value of IFN- γ may contribute to inflammation and tissue damage in HbS patients, thus worsening morbidity and mortality.
Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia, INF-γ, IL-4, HbA