Study of the Variation of Neuroglobinemia and Cytoglobinemia in Homozygous Sickle Cell Subjects

SUMMARY Introduction: The data on the variation of neuroglobinemia (CmNgb) and cytoglobinemia (CmCygb) in sickle cell disease (SCD) are unknow. Objective: To determine in the sickle cell subject, the variations of CmNgb and CmCygb, and to study the relationships between these variations and the pathophysiological factors of sickle cell disease. Population and methods: The study involved 30 inter critical sickle cell patients (HbSS-), 20 in crisis (HbSS+) and 36 controls (HbAA). The CmNgb and CmCygb (ng/ml), as well as markers of hypoxia, inflammation, hemolysis and ischemia of the nervous system (NS) were determined. The comparison of variables between different groups, as well as their relationships was analysed (p less than 0.05). Results: The CmNgb was 8.1 ± 2.3 ng/ml among HbSS⁻, 6.2 ± 4 ng/ml among HbSS⁺ versus 5.8 ± 2.2 ng/ml among HbAA (p = 0.005). The CmCygb was 1721.8 ± 1971.1 ng/ml among HbSS⁻, 915.5 ± 835.2 ng/ml among HbSS⁺ versus 1322.1 ± 986.9 ng/ml among HbAA (p = 0.081). Among sickle cell patients, there was a relationship between CmNgb, markers of ischemia of the NS, and hematocrit in the one hand, CmCygb, markers of ischemia of the NS and leukocytes in the other hand. There was no relationship between these two concentrations and markers of hypoxia. Conclusion: The variations in CmNgb and CmCygb observed in SCD suggest a cytoprotective role of these globins.