Upregulation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, NGAL/Lcn2, in beta-thalassemia patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the major consequences in beta- thalassemia is iron overload. Oxidative statuses have been reported in beta-thalassemia patients by several studies. It has been proven that iron plays a critical role in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). More recently, we have found the induction of Lcn2/NGAL expression under oxidative stress condition. In this study, it was assumed that NGAL should be upregulated in beta-thalassemia patients because of oxidative stress condition. METHODS: Assessment of NGAL expressions in 25 adult beta-thalassemia and 9 pediatric patients was performed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: Adult beta-thalassemia patients upregulated NGAL expression compared with the normal samples but no upregulation was observed in pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation may play an important role in decreasing ROS or iron in beta-thalassemia patients.