Abstract
Hemoglobinopathies are diseases that result from mutations in genes coding the globin chains of hemoglobin (Hb). Sickle cell anemia (SCA), caused by the homozygous hemoglobin SS (HbSS) genotype, is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, painful vaso-occlusive crisis and target organ damage. Thus, SCA is often associated with a chronic inflammatory state that plays a key role in the ac…