Improvement in Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Parameters in Beta-thalassemia/Hb E Patients Treated with Curcuminoids

Objectives: To evaluate the hematological profile, oxidative stress, and antioxidant parameters in beta-thalassemia/Hb E patients treated with curcuminoids for 12 months.

Design And Methods: Twenty-one beta-thalassemia/Hb E patients were given 2 capsules of 250 mg each of curcuminoids (a total of 500 mg) daily for 12 months. Blood was collected every 2 months during treatment and 3 months after withdrawal and was determined for complete blood count, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH) in red blood cells (RBC), and non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) in serum.

Results: The increased oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia/Hb E patients was shown by higher levels of MDA, SOD, GSH-Px in RBC, serum NTBI, and lower level of RBC GSH. Curcuminoids administration resulted in improvement of all the measured parameters as long as they were administered. After 3 months withdrawal of treatment, all parameters returned close to baseline levels.

Conclusion: Curcuminoids may be used to ameliorate oxidative damage in patients with beta-thalassemia/Hb E disease.