• Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Nwanganga Ihuoma Ubosi, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu, Simeon Ikechukwu Egba, and Martin H Bluth.
• Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Jan 12; 103 (2): e36898e36898.

AbstractSickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, leading to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells. While much research has focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of SCA, recent attention has turned to the role of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in the disease progression. This review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms of apoptosis in SCA patients and explore its implications in disease severity, complications, and potential therapeutic interventions. Different research search engines such as PubMed central, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia Edu, etc were utilized in writing this paper. Apoptosis, a highly regulated cellular process, plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by eliminating damaged or dysfunctional cells. In SCA, the imbalance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals contributes to increased erythrocyte apoptosis, exacerbating anemia and vaso-occlusive crises. Various factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered cell signaling pathways, converge to modulate the apoptotic response in SCA. Furthermore, the interaction between apoptotic cells and the vascular endothelium contributes to endothelial dysfunction, promoting the pathogenesis of vasculopathy and organ damage seen in SCA patients. In conclusion, unraveling the complexities of apoptosis in SCA provides valuable insights into the disease pathophysiology and offers novel avenues for therapeutic interventions.Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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