Effects of quercetin in transcriptional regulation of fetal hemoglobin

IDI&CA-IPL/2021/EpiCa/ESTeSLFCT_UIDB/05608/2020. FCT_UIDP/05608/2020.Purpose: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and transport of red blood cells (RBCs) in blood vessels, leading to various clinical complications. The pharmacological reactivation of Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) is considered to be a viable therapeutic method in SCD. In this regard, hydroxyurea (HU), a powerful ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, is being employed as a HbF-inducing pharmaceutical. However, its cytotoxicity, carcinogenic potential, and variable effects limit its use. Thus, a major challenge today is to identify new agents, with high HbF-inducing activity, low cytotoxicity, and available in low- and middle-income countries, such as natural compounds. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, has been identified as a potential HbF inducer. The main aim of this work was to evaluate Quercetin's role in the reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) by analyzing the expression of globin and HbF regulatory/silencing genes.