Which abnormal cells are associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency?

The presence of Heinz bodies is specifically associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. G6PD is an important enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway that helps protect red blood cells from oxidative damage. When there is a deficiency in this enzyme, red blood cells become more susceptible to oxidative stress, which can lead to hemolysis, particularly in response to certain triggers, such as infections, certain medications, or fava beans.

Heinz bodies are formed when hemoglobin is denatured due to oxidative damage. During this process, the denatured hemoglobin aggregates into these inclusions, which can be seen on a peripheral blood smear when specific staining techniques are applied. The presence of Heinz bodies in red blood cells is therefore a hallmark of hemolytic anemia associated with G6PD deficiency.

Other cell types mentioned, such as smear cells, target cells, and Auer rods, are associated with different conditions. Smear cells are typically seen in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, target cells are often involved in conditions like thalassemia or liver disease, and Auer rods are found in acute myeloid leukemia. Thus, Heinz bodies are uniquely linked to the oxidative stress condition resulting from G6