Surprisingly, our review identified only a limited number of studies that addressed the genetic/genomic basis of variable responses to pain (e.g., variants in OPRM1, HMOX-1, GCH1, VEGFA COMT genes), and pharmacogenomics of antalgics and opioids (e.g., variants in OPRM1, STAT6, ABCB1, and COMT genes) in SCD.
VEGFA -583C > T and reduced VEGF serum levels may influence ACS risk in patients with SCD, which will aid in identifying patients with SCD who are at high risk of ACS.
The correlation between sP-selectin and VEGF in SCD and HbSC disease is consistent with the view that VEGF is released from platelets during in vivo activation.
Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta superfamilies have been suggested to contribute to several key events in pathogenesis of sickle cell disease, but with the promise of nitrous oxide therapy in this disorder, these cytokines merit a fresh perspective in the context of sickle cell disease.