Sickle cell gene and liver functions in a Sudanese population.

401 subjects of both sexes and with ages ranging from 5 to 50 years were investigated for haemoglobin phenotypes by starch-gel electrophoresis. Concentrations of blood haemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol and serum transaminases (SGOT and SGPT) were determined to examine the influence of the sickle cell gene on these biochemical parameters. The carriers of sickle cell trait had higher levels of SGOT and SGPT compared to those with haemoglobin A and homozygous sickle cell haemoglobin. The carriers of homozygous sickle cell had lower levels of haemoglobin, total cholesterol and transaminases. No significant difference was observed in serum protein concentration in relation to the presence of sickle cell gene.