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Abstract
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The investigation of antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the erythrocytes of patients with β-thalassemia major (B-TM) is a critical area of clinical research. Despite significant advancements in transfusion protocols and iron-chelation therapies, oxidative stress remains a primary driver of morbidity and mortality. It induces systemic complications across multiple organ systems, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and endocrine glands. Erythrocytes are the focal point of this pathology, as they are directly exposed to chronic oxidative challenges stemming from systemic iron overload and the precipitation of unstable hemoglobin molecules [2].
A central justification for this research is the limitation of current standard treatments. While effective in managing anemia and reducing the total iron burden, conventional therapies often fail to adequately address the underlying oxidative damage. Recent clinical trials have highlighted the efficacy of adjunctive antioxidant supplementation; for instance, grape-seed and oak extracts have been shown to significantly reduce ferritin and MDA levels while enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) [8]. These findings suggest that a comprehensive evaluation of basal oxidative parameters is essential for developing personalized, multi-targeted therapeutic strategies.
From a diagnostic perspective, oxidative stress markers serve as valuable prognostic indicators [9]. Research indicates a significant correlation between disrupted oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis and the development of severe complications, such as insulin resistance, pulmonary hypertension, and nephropathy [10]. For example, elevated levels of endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide-II and MDA are often predictive of cardiac dysfunction. Thus, monitoring these markers allows for the early identification of high-risk patients, facilitating timely clinical intervention.
Furthermore, the significance of t
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