Resveratrol research

I hope this could be a novel approach in treating thalassemia so we might have something in addition to hydroxyurea.

http://www.haematologica.org/content/early/2013/08/20/haematol.2013.090076.full.pdf

Andy

Thanks Andy! Nature has many answers for us if we will only listen. Once again, the Italians are at the forefront of new research. We have heard for years that resveratrol can help to raise Hb levels. It's great to see research moving forward.

Hi Andy,

i read article but it seems that new research will help only Thalassemia Intermedia and not Major. Can you confirm my understanding.

Regards
Sushil Thakur

Sushil,

I think reserveratrol has the potential to help thal intermedia and thal minor in a different way than it would help thal majors.  In thal minor & intermedia it likely helps them by increasing the number of red blood cells that will be healthy and functional. 

In thal major, it will help by protecting the integrity, function and lifespan of transfused cells - also in thal majors the other protective properties and antioxidant properties that resveratrol has to offer are very very beneficial.

Sharmin

Sharmin has given an excellent response here. Resveratrol has properties that can benefit all classes of thals. The glowing words about its antioxidant properties should not be overlooked. Many thals think that iron is their only real enemy, but iron is only half the battle. Preventing ineffective erythropoiesis and combating oxidation has an importance that is often underestimated by patients, but this is never underestimated by true thal specialists. The products of ineffective erythropoiesis and oxidation destroy red blood cells, damage the organs and eventually cause pulmonary hypertension and death by cardiac failure. This side of treatment should not be overlooked.