Phospholipase Lipoprotein-associated A2 and relation to premature atherosclerosis in β-thalassemia children

Abstract

eta-thalassemia is an autosomal recessive hereditary hemoglobinopathy that affects the production of the β- globin chains of the hemoglobin. Thalassemia is becoming a major health problem in the world, especially in Mediterranean region β-thalassemia encompasses a group of monogenic diseases that have in common defective synthesis of β-globin. The defects involved are extremely heterogeneous and give rise to a large phenotypic spectrum, with patients that are almost asymptomatic to cases in which regular blood transfusions are required to sustain life. The patients suffer from chronic anemia due to a process called ineffective erythropoiesis (IE). The sequelae of IE lead to extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) with massive splenomegaly. Vascular endothelial abnormalities together with vasomotor dysfunctions and increased arterial stiffness were documented in β- TM as early predisposing pathological abnormalities for atherosclerosis. Thromboembolic events especially strokes are considered One of the serious β-thalassemia complications Suggesting a pro-atherogenic liability in these patients. Atherosclerosis in β-thalassemia major patients may be the result of iron-overloaded state causing oxidative modification of lipids, altered lipid profile and vascular dysfunction. Studies have