Serum Levels of Gamma-interferon and Interleukin-4 in Homozygous Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients

Background: Impaired leucocytes functions is among mechanisms that have been reported to account for the immunocompromised state of patients with sickle cell disease.

Objective: This study assessed cellular immunity using serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA).

Methods: The study comprised of 40 sickle cell anaemia patients in steady state (asymptomatic for at least 4 weeks) and 40 age and sex-matched healthy HbA control. Serum IFN-γ and IL-4 was determined by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as described by the manufacturer of the kit.

Results: There was a significant increase in the IFN-γ level in sickle cell anaemia patients in steady state (median value 86.1 pg/ml) compared with HbA controls (median value 55.8 pg/ml) (p=0.04). However, there was no significant difference in the median values of IL-4 level between the HbS (homozygous inheritance of sickle gene) patients and the control subjects (IL-4: p=0.42).

Conclusion: High value of IFN- γ may contribute to inflammation and tissue damage in HbS patients, thus worsening morbidity and mortality.