Sclerostin: A Marker of Bone Affection In -Thalassemia Major

Abstract

SUMMARY T halassemia is considered the most common genetic disorder worldwide, about 3℅ of the world population (150 million people) carryβ-thalassemia genes ,B thalassemia major causes several endocrine disorders. A decrease of bone mineral density and early onset of osteoporosis have been reported in young patients .Among the factors in thalassemia that contribute to development of osteoporosis are chronic hypoxia, medullar expansion, iron accumulation,, abnormal calcium-phosphorus balance, high bone turnover, and hormonal insufficiency. Delayed puberty and hypogonadism are important risk factors in the decline of bone mineral density (BMD) in thalassemia patients more often and seriously Sclerostin is a protein produced by the osteocyte serve as a marker of osteocyte activity. Furthermore, patients with thalassemia- associated osteoporosis have increased bone turnover. This study aimed to evaluate serum circulating Sclerostin level in pediatric thalassemia major patients and their correlation with bone mineral density. This study comprised: 1. Fourty five thalassemia major patients. They were 17 males and 28 females. Their ages ranged from 12 years to 19 years with mean of 12.42 years. 2. Fourty five healthy children, serving as the control group. They were 18 males and27 females. Their ages ranged from 12years to 19 years with mean of 12.42 years.