The effects of beta-carotene and vitamin E on erythrocytes lipid peroxidation in beta-thalassemia patientsThe effects of beta-carotene and vitamin E on erythrocytes lipid peroxidation in beta-thalassemia patients

Background: thalassemia is the most common hereditary disease in the world. thalassemic erythrocytes are exposedto higher oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beta-caroteneand vitamin e on erythrocytes lipid peroxidation in beta-thalassemia patients.methods: a prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of beta-carotene and vitamin e on lipidperoxidation in erythrocytes membranes was performed on 120 beta-thalassemia major patients in four groups. thepatients were supplemented for 4 weeks as follows: group i with beta-carotene (13 mg/day), group 2 with vitamin e(550 mg/day), group 3 with beta-carotene plus vitamin e and group 4 with placebo. we prepared all capsules for 4groups in the same shape and color. measurements of serum beta-carotene and vitamin e were performed by high performanceliquid chromatography. after preparation of ghost cells from blood specimens, malondialdehyde (mda) wasdetermined as index oflipid peroxidation in erythrocytes membranes before and after treatment.results: the levels of serum beta-carotene and vitamin e were significantly lower and mda concentrations in erythrocytesmembranes were significantly higher in beta-thalassemia patients compared to controls (p(less than)o.ooi). in groupsthat treated with vitamin supplements for 4-weeks, lipid peroxidation rates were significantly reduced after treatment(p(less than)o.ooi), but in placebo group there was not significant difference (p(greater than_0.05).conclusions: our findings provide evidence that an oral treatment with beta-carotene and vitamin e can significantlyreduce lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes membranes and could be useful in management of beta-thalassemia majorpatients