Importancia de las moléculas de adhesión en la fisiopatogenia de la anemia drepanocítica

the current concepts of the importance of the adhesion molecules in the physiopathology of drepanocytic anemia are presented. the permanent subclinic inflammatory process of the disease in its basal condition, as well as the different alterations in the expression of these molecules during the episodes of vasoocclusive crisis, are described. the most significant aspects on the present therapy are reviewed and a future integrated polytherapy is suggested. the importance of the drepanocyte/vascular endothelium interaction in the onset of the inflammatory response is discussed as a physiopathological basis of the disease in the abscence of inflammatory processes.