The relationship between the salivary level of Glucosyl transferase-B with Ferritin, Transferrin, and Lactoferrin levels in patients suffering from Beta-Thalassemia major

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia major (T major), a severe hereditary hematological condition,  typified by inadequate synthesis of the hemoglobin chain, which causes anemia, iron overload, and related problems.

Objectives: The present work explores the relationship between the salivary glucosyltransferase B levels and serum ferritin, serum transferrin and salivary lactoferrin levels in T major patients.

Methods: This study included sixty participants, of whom thirty were diagnosed with thalassemia major and thirty were healthy controls. Salivary GtfB, serum ferritin, serum transferrin, and salivary lactoferrin levels were appraised through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunoturbidimetry.

Results: Remarkable differences were evident in the ferritin and glucosyltransferase levels between the T major and control groups (p = 0.000).  The T major patients presented higher ferritin levels implying iron overload and lower glucosyltransferase levels. No significant changes were noted in the lactoferrin and transferrin levels. Association analysis indicated a strong positive association between lactoferrin and glucosyltransferase in both groups (p < 0.05), inferring an identical biological mechanism.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the presence of T major and stress-related metabolic disturbances and the need for further studies to clarify the role of biomarkers like glucosyltransferase in iron overload management and disease development. This work offers critical insights into the biomarkers that can be investigated for prospective diagnostic and treatment lines for T major.