Haptoglobin: an emerging candidate for phenotypic modulation of sickle cell anemia?

<p>Haptoglobin Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia: Findings from a Nigerian Cohort Study</p>

“…Previous authors have hinted that haptoglobin genotypes could influence clinical and laboratory events in SCD through their ability to perturb hemolysis, oxidative and inflammatory injuries which are prominent aspects of SCA pathophysiological processes. 15,16 Our findings also contradict the proposition that individuals with certain haptoglobin genotypes considered to have very weak biological activities (eg Hp2-2) are more prone to complications of certain health conditions. [8][9][10][11]13,15,21,22 Several studies had postulated on the possible influence of haptoglobin genotypes on the clinical severity of medical conditions/diseases.…”

“…However, both the current study and that by other authors 21,24 did not examine plasma hemoglobin (a known marker of intravascular hemolysis) 7 speculated to have possible links with haptoglobin genotypes. 16 Nevertheless, in this study, we went further to examine how the haptoglobin genotype perturbs the serum lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, and bilirubin levels (all known markers of intravascular hemolysis), 7 and found no association. Our findings may suggest that other factors related to haptoglobin may probably influence the impact-(s) of haptoglobin genotype on the phenotypic expression of SCA patients.…”

“…and their associated downstream events in SCA could be perturbed by the different haptoglobin genotypes. [13][14][15][16] Despite the huge burden of SCA in Nigeria, there is a lack of data on how haptoglobin genotypes affect the laboratory and clinical expressions among patients with SCA in the country. This study describes the haptoglobin genotypes among a Nigerian SCA population and their influence on the clinicolaboratory manifestations of the patients.…”

Association between hemolysis intensity, genetic markers and clinical evolution in patients with sickle cell disease

“…Nonetheless, both the current study and that from Brazil 170 did not examine the blood levels of plasma hemoglobin which has been proven to have links with haptoglobin genotypes. 171 The lack of association between haptoglobin genotypes and clinical events could be due to the fact that the study cohorts are relatively young and less at risk of some chronic SCD complications. It also contradicts the speculations that patients or individuals with certain haptoglobin genotypes (e.g Hp2-2 are more prone to certain health conditions.…”