Authors: Ekatherina Stoyanova, Guy Cloutier, Hady Felfly, Wafaa Lemsaddek, Nicolas Ah-Son, Marie Trudel
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052128
Abstract Summary
Researchers using a mouse model of β-thalassemia major discovered that heart damage occurs in two phases, independent of iron overload. Initially, chronic anemia triggers increased cardiac output, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy. This progresses to heart failure with fibrosis—notably without iron deposits. These findings challenge the assumption that iron alone causes cardiac complications in thalassemia patients.
Why Brain? 🧠
Study reveals β-thalassemia heart disease develops from chronic anemia itself, not just iron overload as previously thought, suggesting new treatment targets beyond chelation therapy are needed.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
