ANGPT1 and endothelial dysfunction: For VCAM-1:ICAM-1, HbSS patients exhibited a significant elevation in the VCAM-1:ICAM-1 ratio (2.479 ± 1.052 vs. 0.5455 ± 0.151, p < 0.0001), which may reflect heightened endothelial activation, adhesion, and potential for vaso-occlusion in SCD (Supplementary Figure S7D) and Ang 2:Ang 1 ratio was significantly higher in HbSS patients (p = 0.0011), further supporting the evidence of endothelial dysfunction and vascular instability in SCD (Supplementary Figure S7E).