Protein-energy Status and Oxidative Stress of a Group of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Yaoundé - Cameroon: Effect of Some Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors

Background: SCA is a systemic disease which affects more than 50 million people in the world. The gene mutation results in the cause of the synthesis of abnormal haemoglobin S (HbS) which is a pro-oxidant machine and induces ROS production. In addition, sickle cell patients are deficient in body composition parameters. The aim of this study is to contribute to a better management of sickle cell anaemia patients by evaluating the relationship between protein-energy status and the state of oxidative stress.

Methods: Hundred participants were recruited and divided into two groups (52 sickle cell patients and 48 healthy participants). The investigation on their Body Mass indices and their nutritional status were conducted through a questionnaire. Several biochemical parameters related to proteo-energy deficiency and oxidative stress were assessed such as albumin and transferrin, Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities using standard methods.

Results: BMI and MDA was significantly less in SS group compared to the healthy population. Opposite observations were done to other markers investigated including GSH, CAT, SOD and GPX activities and FRAP. The Albumin level increased significantly while transferrin values remained comparable. The oxidative stress and protein-energy status parameters presented negative correlations. Factors such as age, hydration, consumption of meat and fruit affected the biochemical parameters investigated.

Conclusion: These results suggest that sickle cell patients in Yaoundé-Cameroon are underweight with higher oxidative stress status. Moreover, they are under stress; nevertheless, they have a good protein-energy status.