In vitro effects of vitamin C and selenium on NK activity of patients with beta-thalassemia major

Atasever B., Ertan N. Z., Erdem-Kuruca S., Karakas Z.

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY, vol.23, no.3, pp.187-197, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/08880010500506420
  • Journal Name: PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.187-197
  • Keywords: antioxidant, NK activity, oxidative stress, selenium, beta-thalassemia, vitamin C
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, the in vitro effects of vitamin C and selenium on natural killer (NK) cell activity of beta-thalassemia major patients was investigated. At first, significant decreased NK activity was found at E:T ratios of 1:1, 5:1, and 10:1 in whole thalassemia patients. Low-dose selenium treatment enhanced NK activity in patients but there was no change in the control group. High-dose selenium decreased NK activity significantly in splenectomized patients. Different doses vitamin C enhanced NK activity significantly in both splenectomized and unsplenectomized patients. According to these results, selenium dosage should be arranged carefully in thalassemia patients, whereas vitamin C can be used confidently.