Vascular Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Young Adults with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell anaemia is characterised by haemolysis-driven reduction in nitric oxide bioavailability, leading to vascular oxidative stress, endothelial activation, and vasculopathy. The mechanistic interplay between haemolysis severity, nitric oxide depletion, and oxidative stress has been inadequately characterised in Nigerian sickle cell patients, who carry the highest global burden of the disease. Objectives: This study aims to quantify plasma nitric oxide metabolites, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde in young adults with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) during steady state compared with HbAA controls in Sokoto State, and to examine their relationships with haemolytic markers including lactate dehydrogenase and reticulocyte count. Methods: Sixty HbSS patients in steady state and thirty HbAA controls will be recruited from the haematology clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. Blood will be drawn for nitric oxide metabolite measurement by the Griess reaction, antioxidant enzyme assays, and haematological indices. Spearman correlation and multiple regression will model the relationship between haemolytic severity and oxidative-nitrosative stress. Expected Outcomes: HbSS patients are expected to exhibit significantly lower nitric oxide levels and antioxidant enzyme activities alongside elevated malondialdehyde and haemolytic markers, with haemolytic intensity independently predicting oxidative burden. Conclusion: Results will advance the understanding of vascular physiology in Nigerian sickle cell disease. Keywords: sickle cell anaemia, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, haemolysis, Sokoto.