ASSESSMENT OF DNA DAMAGE ENZYME, OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION BIOMARKERS AMONG MALE SCD PATIENTS IN IRRUA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a severe, hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by the mutation of the beta-globin gene, resulting in the production of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS). Under deoxygenated conditions, HbS polymerizes, causing erythrocytes to adopt a rigid, sickle-like structure. Aim: This study aimed to assess the roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage enzymes, biomarkers among male SCD patients in Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: An experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.Describe the design consistently as a cross-sectional comparative study, or, if an experimental component exists, specify what was manipulated. Add the recruitment period, sampling technique, and the method used to confirm SCD status in cases and non-SCD status in controls. The study population comprised 90 clinically confirmed male SCD patients (aged >16 years) serving as test subjects, alongside 45 age-matched, healthy non-SCD males serving as controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected following informed verbal consent and ethical approval. Utilizing Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques and spectrophotometric analysis, the study quantified levels of the oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), lipid peroxidation marker Malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (Glutathione [GSH], Superoxide Dismutase [SOD]), and the inflammatory marker C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Results: The findings revealed distinct physiological alterations in which for oxidative and inflammatory markers, O8DG8-OHdG levels were elevated in SS patients (p