Short chain fatty acids that increase levels of butyrate analogues inhibit the switching of hemoglobin chain production from gamma (HbF) to beta (HbA). Use of these compounds in the treatment of sickle cell is still under investigation.
In clinical trials, cells containing HbF have been found to increase in number with the use of decitabine, a DNA hypomethilation agent.
Also needing further investigation is the use of erythropoietin for treating sickle cell disease. Various colony stimulating factors have been found to increase the production of HbF.
