SERUM LEVELS OF ADMA AND DYSLIPIDEMIA AS PREDICTIVE INDICATORS OF HEART DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH BETA-THALASSEMIA MAJOR

Abstract

The impaired production of the β-globin chain results in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) which is a genetic disorder. The absence or defect in the β-globin chain leads to an excess of α-globin, leading to red blood cell (RBC) damage. Hemolysis causes anemia and requires continuous blood transfusions to survive. Iron overload is an indicator of β-TM. Many complications result from iron overload, such as heart disease. The objective of this study is to assess the asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), lipid profile, and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) as potential indicators of cardiac disease in individuals with β-TM. Ninety children participated in this study. Sixty patients and thirty controls. All patients and controls are similar in age, and they are close in body mass index (BMI). Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were measured by colorimetric methods. Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c),