The sensitivity of Na+, K+ATPase as an indicator of blood diseases.

Abulnaja Kkalid Omar1,2,6, Kherd Ali Ahmed, Nawal Mohammed. Helmi, Kumosani Taha Abdullah, Mohamad H. Qarii4, Huwait Etimad Hasan, Albukhari Ashwag, Alaama Mohammed Nabil, AL-Ghamdi Maryam Abdu1
, Moselhy Said Salama.

1. Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2. Experimental Biochemistry unit, King Fahad Medical Research center (KFMRC), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3. Production of bio-products for industrial applications Research group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
4. Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
5. Consultant cardiologist, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
6. Bioactive Natural Products Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
7. Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract
Background: Blood-related hereditary diseases are widespread in Eastern and SouthWestern regions of Saudi Arabia until recently. In this study, we used Na+, K+ATPase as an enzymatic indicator for the diagnosis of the diseases.Materials and methods:Individuals with different blood diseases (iron deficiency (n=13), anemia (n=14), thalassemia (n=16) and sickle cell anemia (n=12) were studied for Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the plasma membrane of red blood cell and compared with those of the healthy ones (n=20) of the same age and gender living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Results: There was a significant elevation in the specific activity of Na+, K+ATPase in individuals with anemia compared with those of control (0.0094 + 0.001 nmol / mg protein/min versus 0.0061 0.001). On the other hand, there was a significant reduction in enzyme activity in thalassemia (0.0028 0.002 nmol / mg protein/min) and sickle cell anemia cases (0.0042 0.001 nmol / mg protein/min) compared to the control group. The cut off value for Na
+, K+ATPase activity is 0.005 µmol Pi/minshowing 94% sensitivity and 93% specificity for the differentiation of blood abnormality.

Conclusion:It can be recommended that the activity of Na+, K+-ATPase can be used for the diagnosis of individuals with blood diseases/disorders.Keywords:Na+, K+-ATPase, red blood cell, plasma membrane, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, indicator.