University of North Carolina details research in sickle cell anemia
2007 OCT 29 -- "' of review Plasma cytokines and related factors represent a burgeoning area of inquiry related to the pathogenesis in sickle cell disease. Cytokines derived from platelets, white blood cells and endothelial cells have all been implicated in the development of several sequelae of this disease," researchers in the United States report. "In this review, we seek to provide an overview of the noted and potentially novel roles for several key plasma factors in sickle cell disease. We also consider the putative role for those cytokines implicated by genetic analysis in sickle cell disease, but where the pathogenic, or ameliorative, role has yet to be determined. Recent findings New roles for the platelet as a key mediator in the release of cytokines in sickle cell disease have recently been demonstrated. Angiogenic and inflammatory factors are also being explored in this illness. Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-P superfamilies have been suggested to contribute to several key events in pathogenesis of sickle cell disease, but with the promise of nitrous oxide therapy in this disorder, these cytokines merit a fresh perspective in the context of sickle cell disease," wrote J.E. Brittain and colleagues, University of North Carolina. The researchers concluded: "Summary Increased understanding of the origin and pathology of cytokine levels in sickle cell disease may provide novel therapeutic approaches in the management of the disease." Brittain and colleagues published their study in Current Opinion in Hematology (Cytokines and plasma factors in sickle cell disease. Current Opinion in Hematology, 2007;14(5):438-443). For additional information, contact J.E. Brittain, University of North Carolina, Dept. of Biochemistry & Biophysics, CB 7260, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. Publisher contact information for the journal Current Opinion in Hematology is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Keywords: United States, Chapel Hill, Cytokines, Hematology, Sickle Cell Anemia, Sickle Cell Disease, University of North Carolina. This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.
|
