In vitro-Modulation of HbS Erythrocyte Parameters By Prednisolone Testing For Fe2+/Fe3+ Ratio, HbS Gelation and Osmotic Fragility

Aim: The study is targeted at the sickle cell disease. It has been discovered that some drugs or medications taken for certain ailments are either pro-sickling or anti-sickling in nature. In this study, acorticosteroid by the name of prednisolone was investigated to determineits possible effects on human haemoglobin-S gelation, erythrocyte fragility and Fe2+ and Fe3+ concentrations.

Materials and Method: The blood sample of 5ml was collected from adult male and female donors by vein puncture using a 5 ml syringe and needle. The blood samples were confirmed as HbSS using standard haemoglobin electrophoresis. Various concentrations of the drug (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml) were used to determine the effects on human haemoglobin-S, gelation rate, erythrocyte fragility, Fe2+& Fe3+ concentrations. Absorbance reading was taken at 540 nm using a spectrophotometer.

Results: The results showed that Prednisolone increased haemoglobin S gelation at all concentrations (p< 0.05) when compared to the control. The Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio showed a reduction in haemoglobin values at 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml concentrations when compared to the control and a slight increase at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/ml. For Erythrocyte Fragility, there was destabilization of red cell in all concentrations.

Conclusion: This study suggests that this drug could have some undesirable effects on sickle cell subjects.