Serum lipid profiles in patients with beta-thalassemia major and intermedia in southern Iran

BACKGROUND: Beta-thalassemia is considered to be the most freq uent hereditary blood disorder worldwide. Lipid abnormalities have been detected in different types o f beta-thalassemia. The aim of this study is to ass ess the lipid profiles in beta-thalassemia major (BTM) and beta-thalassemia intermedia (BTI) patients in southern Iran. METHODS: The study group consisted of 55 BTM patients and 50 BTI patients. The control group included 130 sex- and age-matched healthy participants. Serum lipids prof iles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholest erol, and HDLcholesterol) as well as hemoglobin (Hb) and ferriti n, were compared between the three groups. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between BTM and BTI patients regarding age or sex. Mean triglyc eride concentration was not significantly different betwe en patients and controls. Total cholesterol and LDL -cholesterol were significantly lower in patients with BTM and BTI in comparison with controls (p < 0.001). HDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in patients with BTI than in contr ols (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with BTM and BTI, total cholesterol an d LDL-cholesterol were lower than in control participants. The mechanisms that may account for thes e findings are increased erythropoiesis and cholest erol consumption in BTI, and iron overload and oxidative stress in B TM.