Influence of Haptoglobin Polymorphism on Stroke in Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Abstract

This review outlines the current clinical research investigating how the haptoglobin (Hp) genetic polymorphism and stroke occurrence are implicated in sickle cell disease (SCD) pathophysiology. Hp is a blood serum glycoprotein responsible for binding and removing toxic free hemoglobin from the vasculature. The role of Hp in patients with SCD is critical in combating blood toxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and even stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blocked vessel decreases oxygen delivery in the blood to cerebral tissue and is commonly associated with SCD. Due to the malformed red blood cells of sickle hemoglobin S, blockage of blood flow is much more prevalent in patients with SCD. This review is the first to evaluate the role of the Hp polymorphism in the incidence of stroke in patients with SCD. Overall, the data compiled in this review suggest that further studies should be conducted to reveal and evaluate potential clinical advancements for gene therapy and Hp infusions.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 14, 2022
Source ID
10.3390/genes13010144

Entities

People

  • Alicia Burris
  • Diana J Wilkie
  • Josh Lua
  • Miriam O. Ezenwa
  • Olivia Edwards
  • Sylvain DorĂ©

Organizations

  • National Institutes of Health
  • United States Department of Defense

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology