Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin: A Possible Role in β Thalassemia Syndromes

Abstract

eta Thalassemias are a group of inherited blood disorders. They are forms of thalassemia caused by reduced or absent synthesis of the beta chains of hemoglobin that result in variable outcomes ranging from severe anaemia to clinically asymptomatic individuals. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), is a protein which is encoded by the LCN2 gene. NGAL is involved in innate immunity by sequestrating iron that in turn limits bacterial growth. It is expressed in neutrophils and in low levels in the kidney, prostate, and epithelia of the respiratory and the alimentary tracts. It also plays a key role in the physiology and pathophysiology of red blood cells, particularly in anemia. This study focused on the assessment of neutrophil gelatinase- associated lipocalin and its relation to iron overload induced by blood transfusion in beta thalassemia patients. The aim of the present work is to assess plasma level of NGAL in beta thalassemia syndromes and correlate with laboratory hematological data and iron profile. A Case-Control study, this study conducted on Beta Thalassemia patients of both sexes attending the outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Hospitals, This study takes place from April 2018 till April 2019, Pilot study of 50 previously diagnosed Beta Thalassemia patients and 30 sex and age matched healthy control subjects.