GLUCOSE- 6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY AND FAVISM

Abstract

Favism disease, also known as hemolytic syndrome (the breakdown of red blood cells) affects some people (especially male children) when they consume the fava beans (fava bean, broad bean) because they contain high concentrations of pyrimidine glycosides (vicine and convicine) or they take some medications or an imbalance in metabolism or infections. causing the generation of harmful oxygen forms, as these people suffer from a deficiency in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme, which is responsible for the availability of, NADPH, which is important in providing reduced glutathione forms, (GSH), as the latter contributes to the conversion of H₂O₂ into O₂ and H₂O, and thus prevents the harmful effects of oxidation in red blood cells, represented by their destruction. Symptoms include nausea, pale jaundice, and dark urine. the severity of the disease varies between patients, and the severity of episodes can vary in the same patient, therefore, diagnosing G6PD deficiency and educating the patient regarding safe and unsafe medications and foods is critical to prevent recurring episodes.