Interleukin-1β and Glycolytic Enzyme Alterations in Beta-Thalassemia Major: Insights into Inflammation-Metabolism Crosstalk

Abstract

Background: Beta-thalassemia major is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and systemic iron overload, leading to metabolic and inflammatory alterations. Objective: This study investigated the relationship between serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), key glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase [HK], pyruvate kinase [PK], phosphofructokinase [PFK]), and PFKP gene expression in beta-thalassemia major patients. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 42 beta-thalassemia major patients and 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-1β, HK, PK, and PFK were measured using ELISA, while PFKP gene expression was assessed by RT-qPCR. Results: Patients exhibited significantly elevated IL-1β (41.34 ± 42.23 vs. 21.43 ± 26.45 pg/mL; p = 0.0276), HK (327.71 ± 282.40 vs. 131.47 ± 158.67 pg/mL; p = 0.0012), and PFK (1.83 ± 1.52 vs. 0.51 ± 0.53 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Strong positive correlations were observed between IL-1β and glycolytic enzymes (r = 0.637-0.690, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate significant inflammation-metabolism crosstalk in beta-thalassemia major, suggesting that targeting inflammatory pathways may ameliorate metabolic disturbances in affected patients.