GDF -15 and Severity Scores in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Chide Okocha *
Department of Haematology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Patrick Manafa
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Joy Anowi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Vera Manafa
Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 5025, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chilota Efobi
Department of Haematology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Granulocyte differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a growth factor and biomarker for many disorders where Ischaemia Reperfusion Injury (IRI) is pathophysiologically relevant. Hence the need to evaluate GDF-15 as a biomarker in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
Study Design: This is a cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Haematology, Nnamdi University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra state, Nigeria, between January and December 2018.
Methods: Ninety subjects were randomly recruited with haemoglobin (Hb) phenotypes SS (test), AS and AA (controls); numbering 30, 28 and 32 respectively. Disease severity was determined by calculating an objective score. 5 mls of blood was collected and used to determine Full Blood Count (FBC), haemoglobin Phenotype and GDF-15 levels (by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay). Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20 (SPSS Inc., IL, Chicago, USA). P< 0.05 was considered as significant.
Results: GDF-15 level was found to be significantly different in the different HB phenotypes p= 0.005 and correlated negatively with sickle cell disease severity (r= -0.307, p= 0.098). The difference between median GDF-15 levels of HBSS subjects with mild and moderate disease was statistically significant at p= 0.01.
Conclusion: We hypothesize that GDF-15 may be a potential therapeutic target for intervention against ischaemia/reperfusion induced micro- vascular injury. Natural GDF-15 mimetics may be useful in taking advantage of this potential therapeutic target.
Keywords: GDF- 15, sickle cell disease, ischaemia reperfusion injury, GDF-15 mimetics.