Effect of Papaverine on Lipid Peroxidation in Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal haemoglobin (HbS) which results in the polymerization of the red cells under certain physiological conditions leading to sickling. This work was carried out to find the effect of papaverine (an alkaloid) as a possible drug for the management of sickle cell anaemia. Electrophoresis was carried out on various blood samples - AA, AS, and SS to confirm their genotype. Haematological parameters, serum calcium level and lipid peroxidation assays were carried out. The result of the haematological studies reveal that the sickle cell patient had an increase in red blood cell, haemoglobin count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a decrease in platelet count and when compared to HbAA and HbAS. Serum calcium levels show an increased level in the sickle cell patients compared to the other genotypes. The result of the lipid peroxidation assay show that HbSS has the highest value in the lipid peroxidation product. After incubation with papaverine, the lipid peroxidation level decreased in all the groups. Thus, Papaverine could be a possible drug for the management of sickle cell anaemia.