Cytokine Dependent Hematopoietic Cell Linker (CLNK) Is Highly Elevated in Blood Transfusion Dependent Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients

Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is a severe form of thalassemia caused by mutations in the β-globin gene, resulting in partial or complete deficiency of β-globin chains. This deficiency results in oxidative stress, dyserythropoiesis, and chronic anemia. Cytokine dependent hematopoietic cell linker (CLNK) belongs to the adaptor protein family and has the capacity to interact with multiple signaling proteins thereby modulating signal transduction. The aim of the present study was to examine CLNK in sera of β-TM patients and examine its association with iron overload biomarkers. Sixty β-TM patients, aged 3-12 years old and undergoing blood transfusions, and 30 healthy control children were recruited and CLNK, ferritin and iron status parameters were measured. The results showed a significant increase (p