G6PD deficiency and cardiovascular risk: A systematic review

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common X-linked enzymatic disorders worldwide, affecting over 400 million individuals. The enzyme G6PD plays a critical role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by generating NADPH, which is essential for protecting cells from oxidative stress. Its deficiency leads to reduced antioxidant capacity, particularly in red blood cells, causing hemolysis under oxidative stress. Beyond hemolysis, emerging evidence suggests that G6PD deficiency may have broader systemic effects, including an impact on cardiovascular health. This systematic review aims to explore the association between G6PD deficiency and cardiovascular risk.