Possible effects of antioxidant status on increased platelet aggregation in childhood iron-deficiency anemia

Background: Alterations in platelet function and antioxidant status in children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) have been reported previously. The present study was performed to better understand possible interactions between these two systems. Methods: Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and platelet function were evaluated in 15 children (aged 1 1/2-15 years) with IDA. The antioxidant enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Platelet aggregation and secretion studies were performed using impedance and bioluminescence methods, respectively. Ten age-matched healthy children were included as a control group. Results: There were no differences in SOD and CAT activities between patients and controls. However, GSH-Px activity was significantly lower in the iron-deficient children. Platelet aggregation responses to collagen and ADP were also significantly higher in iron-deficient children than in controls. Conclusions: Decreased antioxidant defense in IDA may cause increased oxidant stress, which, in turn, may result in a tendency towards platelet aggregation.