ISSN 2167-0404
International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 16, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 1–5
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMMS/160066
Original Research Article
Altered Plasma Hexose Metabolism in Sickle Cell Anemia: A Metabolic Profiling Study
Chidi G. Osuagwu¹, Chika U. Mbeyi²*
¹School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
²School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo, Nigeria.
Abstract:
This study investigated altered hexose metabolism (glucose and fructose) in 135 participants, comparing normal (HbAA) with sickle cell states (HbAS, HbSS, HbSSc) using enzymatic and spectrophotometric methods. Findings revealed significant differences in plasma sugar levels: glucose was highest in HbSSc (84.80 ± 4.10 mg/dl) and lowest in HbAA (70.10 ± 0.05 mg/dl) (p < 0.05). Conversely, fructose was lowest in HbSSc (0.99 ± 0.05 mg/dl) and highest in HbAA (1.32 ± 0.08 mg/dl). Regression analysis indicated a positive glucose-fructose correlation in HbAA, no correlation in HbAS, and negative correlation in HbSS. The marked, significant differences in the 'Glucose-to-Fructose Ratio' suggest its potential as a biomarker for assessing the intensity of sickle cell anemia (p < 0.001).
Keywords: Hexose, energy metabolism, sickle cell anaemia, glucose, fructose, biomarker, glucose-to-fructose ratio.
Manuscript Timeline: Accepted: July 18, 2026.
Citation: Osuagwu CG, Mbeyi CU. Altered Plasma Hexose Metabolism in Sickle Cell Anemia: A Metabolic Profiling Study. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2026, 16(9): 1–5. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMMS/160066