Antioxidative Effects of N-acetylcysteine in Patients with β-thalassemia: A Quick Review on Clinical Trials

Overview

Journal Health Sci Rep

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2024 Oct 9

PMID 39381531

Authors

Mobin Ghazaiean

Aily Aliasgharian

Hossein Karami

Mohammad Mohsen Ghasemi

Hadi Darvishi-Khezri

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background And Aims: Several studies have highlighted the potent antioxidant properties of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). This review aimed to assess the impact of NAC on oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with β-thalassemia.

Methods: The review included articles published before 2024 that investigated the effects of NAC on oxidative stress in individuals with β-thalassemia. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Trip, and CENTRAL. Only English-language clinical trials were considered for inclusion in this review. Besides, the number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated based on the included studies.

Results: Ninety-nine articles were retrieved from electronic databases, and after a thorough review, eight articles were selected for comprehensive text analysis. The highest dose of NAC administered was 10 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 600 mg/day) over a period of 3-6 months. All the studies assessing the impact of NAC on oxidative stress indicators in β-thalassemia patients demonstrated positive effects during the 3-month follow-up period. Most estimated NNTs fell into 1-5, suggesting significant clinical therapeutic value in this context.

Conclusion: The current potency of NAC alone appears to be effective in ameliorating oxidative stress in patients with β-thalassemia major. While a 3-month duration seems adequate to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of NAC in this population, larger and well-designed clinical trials are warranted. Current clinical evidence possesses a high risk of bias.

Citing Articles

Cardiac injury caused by iron overload in thalassemia.

Fu C, Yang X Front Pediatr. 2025; 13:1514722.

PMID: 39931654 PMC: 11808023. DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1514722.

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