Glutathione linked red cell enzymes in iron deficiency anaemia

Red blood cells (RBC) from iron-deficient chidren were found to have decreased levels of reduced glutathione and reduced content of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase than RBC from normal control children. These findings suggest an increased oxidant stress on iron-deficient red cells which may be one of the mechanisms responsible for membrane alterations leading to shortened life span of erythrocytes in iron-deficiency anaemia.