Estimation of the Level of Total Carbonyl and Malondialdehyde in Thalassemic Patients and Study their Correlation with Iron Status Parameters

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt is carried out to estimate the degree of iron overload in thalassemia major patients in addition to the measurement of lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein end product, total carbonyl. The level of these compounds will indicate the risk of tissue damage caused by oxidative stress and iron overload in thalassemia patients.One hundred and eighteen Arabic Iraqi patients with major thalassemia were participated in the present study. Their age range was 4-12 years old. Thirty apparently healthy children were selected as control group.Serum levels of iron and total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) were measured spectrophotometrically while unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), estimated total iron body stores (ETIBS), transferrrin saturation percentage (TS%) and transferrin concentration were calculated mathematically. Serum ferritin, MDA, and total carbonyl were measured using ELISA technique. The results showed significant increase (p<0.05) in all iron indices of thalassemic patients in comparing with healthy control group except TIBC, UIBC, and transferrin concentrations, which decreased significantly (p<0.05) in those patients in comparing with control group. Serum total carbonyl and MDA are increased significantly in thalassemia patients as compared with control group. It can be concluded that Iraqi thalassemic patients are at high risk for iron overload and iron-induced toxicities. Protein carbonyls and MDA are elevated in those patients. These patients are prone to tissue injury caused by oxidative stress. There is no statistically significant correlation noticed between each serum MDA and total carbonyl with every component of iron status. The mechanism of action of iron in the body is differ from that of the oxidation products of proteins and lipids (total carbonyl and MDA, respectively).