Omar Adwan on G6PD Deficiency: Protecting Red Blood Cells from Oxidative Stress
Omar Adwan, Medical Laboratory Technologist of Modawah lab center, shared an insightful post on LinkedIn:
“G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase):
Genetic disorder that affects the enzyme responsible for protecting red blood cells from oxidative damage.
1. Normal Function: G6PD enzyme helps maintain the integrity of red blood cells by protecting them from oxidative stress.
2. Deficiency: In G6PD deficiency, the enzyme is either partially or completely inactive, making red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage.
Oxidative Stress: Red blood cells are vulnerable to oxidative stress, which can trigger hemolysis (red blood cell destruction).
Hemolytic Anemia: Repeated episodes of hemolysis can lead to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Characteristic Features
1. Heinz Bodies: Small, rounded inclusions within red blood cells, composed of denatured hemoglobin.
2. Bite Cells: Red blood cells with a ‘bitten’ appearance, resulting from the removal of Heinz bodies by the spleen.
3. Blister Cells: Red blood cells with a characteristic ‘blister’ or vacuole.
4. Reticulocytosis: An increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow to compensate for the loss of red blood cells due to hemolysis.
Triggers
1. Infections: Certain infections can trigger hemolysis in individuals with G6PD deficiency.
2. Medications: Certain medications, such as antimalarials or sulfonamides, can induce hemolysis.
3. Foods: Some foods, like fava beans, can trigger hemolysis”
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