Analysis of the number of f cells in peripheral blood of patients with sickle cell anemia and its correlation with clinical and laboratory parameters

• Grant number: 19/14453-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Ferreira Costa
• Grantee: Pedro de Oliveira Toro da Silva
• Host Institution: Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia (HEMOCENTRO). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/00984-3 - Red blood cell disorders: pathophysiology and new therapeutic approaches, AP.TEM

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia results from a point mutation in the beta globin gene. This mutation leads to the substitution of glutamic acid to a valine at the sixth position of the polypeptide chain. This disease is charactereized by the homozygosity of the hemoglobin S (HbSS). The level of HbF present in the erythrocytes of patients with hemolytic anemia may decrease the number of clinical complications presented by individuals increasing survival rates. After birth the levels of HbF decrease, and the expression of them it is present in a small number of erythrocytes, which are known as F cells, although increased levels of fetal hemoglobin are observed in hemoglobinopathies. The presence of chronic hemolysis can be evaluated through specific biomarkers, which serve as a prognostic factor. In view of this, the present study aims to quantify the number of F cells isolated from patients with sickle cell anemia, monitored at the Hemocentro/UNICAMP, and to correlate this data with intracellular fetal hemoglobin levels. It is concluded that the analysis of the number of F cells of patients with sickle cell anemia and its correlation with clinical and laboratory parameters may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia.