2013-11-29 15:24:55
Thalassemia is one of the most common genetic disorders worldwide. Iron supplementation or blood transfusions can treat the underlying anemia but may lead to iron toxicity. Iron overload can result in damage to major organs including the heart and the liver. Safe and non-invasive strategies for iron reduction are an important target for clinical management of thalassemia major.
This study assessed the iron-chelating activity of silymarin, a flavonolignan isolated from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in patients with β-thalassemia major. A total of 97 patients were treated with the combination of desferrioxamine (pharmaceutical iron chelator) in combination with a placebo, or desferrioxamine in combination with silymarin for 9 months. Patients had their liver enzymes and their iron parameters tested before and after therapy.
After nine months, a marker of iron levels (called ferritin) decreased significantly in the silymarin group (3028.8 vs. 1972.2 ng/mL) but not in the placebo group (2249.0 vs. 2015.6 ng/mL). Moreover, serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) levels were significantly reduced in silymarin group compared with placebo. Also important was the improvement in liver function tests observed in silymarin group in comparison with placebo.
This study shows that silymarin is effective at reducing iron overload in patients when used in conjunction with desferrioxamine. Silymarin may also have a role in protecting liver function in patients with iron overload.
References
1. Moayedi B, Gharagozloo M, Esmaeil N, Maracy MR, Hoorfar H, Jalaeikar M. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of therapeutic effects of silymarin in β-thalassemia major patients receiving desferrioxamine. Eur J Haematol. 2013;90(3):202-9.