Investigation of iron storage and Dickkopf-1 in beta-thalassemia major patients

Background and objective: Iron overload is one of the effects of frequent transfusion in beta-thalassemia major patients. Iron overload causes iron deposition and accumulation in the liver, heart, bones, and other tissues resulting in serious tissue damages. osteopenia and osteoporosis are secondary complications of frequent transfusion due to the toxic effects of iron on osteoblasts. There are studies that show Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) is a secreted protein that inhibits osteoblast maturation and osteogenesis. Dkk-1 plays an important role in the development and intensification of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Dkk-1 and iron overload (ferritin). Materials and methods: 50 patients with beta-thalassemia major and 50 healthy persons as control group, participated in this study. We evaluated serum levels of Dkk-1 and ferritin by ELISA method. Also we checked complete blood count (CBC) in both groups. Results: Significantly, the serum levels of Dkk-1 in beta-thalassemia major samples was higher than control group (p< 0.05). Minimum, maximum and mean of Dkk-1 in patients with beta-thalassemia major was 6000, 188615, 40996 pg/ml and mean of control group was 15252 pg/ml. In addition, we observed a significant association between Dkk1, ferritin and osteoporosis parameters. Conclusion: Possibly, Dkk-1 plays significant role in the development and intensification of osteoporosis in beta-thalassemia major patients and we can use it as a method for early diagnosis of osteoporosis and follow-up treatment in adult patients with beta-thalassemia major.

کلیدواژه ها:

Beta-thalassemia major ، Ferritin ، Dickkopf-1