Evaluation of Anthropometric Parameters and Lipid Profile in Subjects with Sickle Cell Traits at Madonna University, Elele, Nigeria

Abstract

Sickle cell trait is a genetic condition that affects a substantial portion of the global population, particularly individuals of African descent. This study is aimed at evaluating anthropometric parameters and lipid profile parameters in subjects with sickle cell traits in Madonna University Teaching Hospital (MUTH), Elele. 72 subjects consisting of 30 HbAA (control), 21 HbAS, and 21 HbSS, all aged 18–40 years, were recruited for the study. Ethical clearance and informed consent were duly obtained from those involved. Blood samples were collected via venipuncture. Total cholesterol (TCH), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were analyzed using enzymatic spectrophotometric method. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 for Windows 7. The result from this study suggests that there are statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the genotype variants, HbAA, HbAS, and HbSS, for the TCH, TG, HDL, LDL, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. For the control group (HbAA), the TCH is 4.51 mmol/L, TG is 1.21 mmol/L, HDL is 0.95 mmol/L, LDL is 2.81 mmol/L, and Hb is 14.02 g/dL. For the HbAS, the TCH is 4.16 mmol/L, TG is 0.73 mmol/L, HDL is 0.92 mmol/L, LDL is 2.82 mmol/L, and Hb is 13.02 g/dL. For the HbSS, the TCH is 3.39 mmol/L, TG is 0.59 mmol/L, HDL is 0.63 mmol/L, LDL is 2.59 mmol/L, and Hb is 10.85 g/dL. Also, the BMI (kg/m2) showed no statistically significant differences among the genotype variants, HbAA, HbAS, and HbSS (p > 0.05). This concludes that lipid metabolism may be altered in red cell genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia.