The levels of nitric oxide in beta-thalassemia minor

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between NO (nitric oxide) and beta-thalassemia minor. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with beta-thalassemia minor (30 M, 30 F) were included in the study. The control group consisted of 60 healthy subjects (30 M, 30 F). Plasma nitrite/nitrate levels were measured using the Griess reaction method and analyzed by spectrophotometry at 545 nm.RESULTS: Plasma direct nitrite, total nitrite and nitrate levels were 7.561±6.19, 42.548±7.37 and 34.84±6.24 in beta-thalassemia minor patients versus 36.9±19.8, 85.9±35.3 and 48.61±17.35 ìmol/dl in controls, respectively. Plasma direct nitrite, total nitrite and nitrate levels were significantly lower in beta-thalassemia minor patients compared with the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings confirm that plasma NO levels in beta-thalassemia minor patients are decreased at the time of diagnosis. This may be helpful in assessing the prognosis and follow-up evaluation of patients with beta-thalassemia minor.