Clinical Analysis of Gene Mutation and Vascular Events in Patients with BCR/ABL Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the relationship between clinical features, peripheral blood cell count, coagulation function, gene mutation and hemorrhagic events and thrombotic events in essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis(PMF) patients.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 78 patients with ET, PV, and PMF who were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between September 2019 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Information about sex, age, gene mutation, peripheral blood cell count, coagulation function, and hemorrhagic and thrombotic events was included, and the influence of these data on the occurrence of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events was estimated.@*RESULTS@#Among the 78 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, there were 47 cases of ET, 15 cases of PV, and 16 cases of PMF.A total of 10 patients (12.82%) experienced hemorrhagic events and 27 (34.62%) experienced thrombotic events. Male,patients aged ≥ 60 years, and patients with a JAK2V617F mutation were more likely to experience thrombotic events (P<0.05). Patients with thrombotic events had higher platelet (PLT) counts and fibrinogen (FIB) levels than patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events (P<0.05).White blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB) level, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and international normalized ratio (INR) showed no statistical difference between patients with thrombotic events and patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events (P>0.05). There was also no significant difference in the above-mentioned indexes between patients with hemorrhagic events and patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events (P>0.05). Among JAK2V617F positive myeloproliferative neoplasm patients, male patients were more likely to have thrombotic events (P<0.05), and patients with thrombotic events had higher platelet counts than those without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in age, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, PT, APTT, FIB, TT or INR between patients with thrombotic events and patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Sex, age, JAK2V617F mutation and platelet count have a certain value for predicting thrombosis in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Detección de variantes de hemoglobina en pacientes examinados por hemoglobina A1c / Detection of hemoglobin variants in patients tested for Hemoglobin A1c

Resumen Justificación: La genética en las variantes de hemoglobina en Costa Rica es resultado del cruce de caracteres autóctonos indígenas con poblaciones inmigrantes de europeos, africanos y otros, desde el periodo de la Conquista, que contribuyeron a la mezcla genética presente en la población de Costa Rica. Las hemoglobinopatías mayormente distribuidas en la población humana son: hemoglobina S, C, D y E, siendo la hemoglobina S la más frecuente y la que presenta consecuencias más graves. Objetivo: Detectar variantes de hemoglobina en pacientes examinados por hemoglobina A1c, en la sección de Química Clínica del laboratorio de la Clínica de Filadelfia de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, en el Cantón de Carrillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, durante el período de enero a octubre de 2018. Métodos: Se analizaron 2775 muestras sanguíneas de pacientes de los nueve equipos básicos de salud que conforman el Área de Salud de Carrillo, y que además requieren estudio por hemoglobina glicosilada en el período de enero a octubre de 2018. El análisis se realizó en el Laboratorio del Área de Salud de Carrillo. Las muestras fueron recolectadas en tubos vacutainer con EDTA y analizadas en el equipo automatizado TOSOH HLC-723GX, utilizando la metodología HPLC cromatografía de intercambio catiónico con la separación y cuantificación de las diferentes fracciones de hemoglobina. Los datos se analizaron en plantilla de Microsoft Excel. Resultados: En 2775 pacientes examinados por hemoglobina A1c, 167 (6,0 %) fueron portadores de variantes de hemoglobina, con una frecuencia de 1/17, en donde el 97 % correspondió a heterocigotos para hemoglobina un 3% a heterocigotos para hemoglobina C y ninguno para la variante D. La presencia de variantes se observó en los 9 equipos básicos de atención integral en salud del área. La distribución de portadores por equipo básico de atención en el Área de Salud de Carrillo varió de un 4,0 % a un 9,3 %. Conclusiones: Un 6 % de las muestras analizadas presentó variantes de hemoglobina, siendo la hemoglobina S la predominante. Esta característica presente en la población del cantón de Carrillo merece atención a nivel de salud pública; la metodología existente a nivel de área permite estudiar a un grupo de población (costo efectivo) en riesgo que precisa vigilancia y asesoramiento genético, con el fin de concienciar a la población respecto al problema, reducir la incidencia de la enfermedad y prolongar la supervivencia de los afectados.

Abstract Background: The genetics in hemoglobin variants in Costa Rica are a result of the crossing of autochthonous indigenous characters with European, African and other immigrant populations. All of these contributed to the genetic mixture that is currently present in Costa Rica's population. The most distributed hemoglobinopathies in the human population are: hemoglobin S, C, D, and E, with hemoglobin S being the most frequent and having the most serious consequences. Objective: Detection of hemoglobin variants in patients who were examined for hemoglobin A1c in the Clinical Chemistry section of the Filadelfia Clinic Laboratory, from January to October 2018. The clinic is in Canton of Carrillo, Guanacaste (Costa Rica), and it is part of the social security system. Methods: 2775 blood samples and their respective data were analyzed from patients of the nine basic health teams that make up the Carrillo Health Area and required a study for glycosylated hemoglobin from January to October 2018. The analysis was performed in the Carrillo Health Area Laboratory. The samples were collected in vacutainer tubes containing EDTA and analyzed in the TOSOH HLC-723GX automated equipment, using the HPLC cation exchange chromatography methodology with the separation and quantification of the different hemoglobin fractions. The data was then analyzed in a Microsoft Excel template. Results: In the 2775 patients examined for hemoglobin A1c, 167 (6.0%) were found to be carriers of hemoglobin variants, with a frequency of 1/17, where 97% corresponded to heterozygotes for hemoglobin S, 3% heterozygous for hemoglobin C, and none for variant D. The presence of variants was observed in the 9 basic teams of integral health care of the area, and the distribution varied from 4% to 9,3% between them. Conclusions: A total of 6% of the samples analyzed showed a hemoglobin variant, being hemoglobin S the most predominant. This characteristic present in the population of Canton of Carrillo deserves attention at the public health level. The existing methodology at the level area allows professionals to study a population group at risk that deserves surveillance and genetic counseling, in order to raise awareness about the problem, reduce the incidence of the disease, and prolong the survival of those affected by it.

Prevalência de hemoglobinas variantes em comunidades quilombolas no estado do Piauí, Brasil / Prevalence of hemoglobin variants in quilombola communities in the state of Piauí, Brazil

Resumo As hemoglobinas variantes (Hb) decorrem de mutações nos genes da globina. As variantes estruturais mais frequentes são HbS, HbC, HbD e HbE. O gene da hemoglobina S tem frequência elevada na América, enquanto que no Brasil é maior no Sudeste e Nordeste. O presente artigo tem por objetivo investigar a presença de hemoglobinas variantes em 15 comunidades quilombolas do estado do Piauí. Foram analisadas 1.239 amostras, nas quais as hemoglobinas foram triadas pela cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC). Aplicou-se questionário referente a gênero, etnia e consanguinidade das populações. Das 1.239 amostras, 5,4% apresentaram o traço falciforme AS, as doenças falciformes SS e SC apareceram em 0,8% do total, nas hemoglobinas AC, AD e DD. Das 1.069 pessoas negras, 84 apresentaram alteração das hemoglobinas; destas, 34 eram do sexo masculino e 53 do feminino. Ocorreu a presença de 13 casamentos consanguíneos dentre as 84 alterações das hemoglobinas. O estudo das hemoglobinas variantes em 15 comunidades remanescentes de quilombos do Piauí contribui para sua educação em saúde frente aos aspectos da herança genética destas proteínas, relevante questão de saúde pública, proporcionando subsídios para a implantação do Programa Estadual da Doença Falciforme do Piauí.

Abstract Hemoglobin variants (Hb) result from mutations in globin genes, with amino acid substitution in the polypeptide chain. Among the most common structural variants are HbS, HbC, HbD and HbE. The S hemoglobin gene is a high frequency gene across America and Brazil, where it is more frequent in the Southeast and Northeast. The scope of this article is to investigate the presence of hemoglobin variants in 15 quilombos (fugitive slave communities) of Piaui. The sample was of 1,239 people and hemoglobin was screened by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A questionnaire was applied related to gender, ethnicity and consanguinity. Of the samples analyzed, 5.4% had AS sickle cell trait, while SS and SC sickle cell anemia showed a rate of 0.8%, with AC, AD and DD hemoglobin. Of the 1,069 Afro-descendants, 84 revealed hemoglobin abnormalities, 34 being male 53 being female. There were 13 consanguineous marriages among the 84 hemoglobin alterations. The study of hemoglobin variants in 15 former quilombo communities in the state of Piaui contributes to their education in health in the aspects of genetic inheritance of hemoglobin, a relevant public health issue, providing input for the implementation of the State Program of Sickle Cell Disease of Piaui.

Técnicas convencionales aplicadas al diagnóstico de las hemoglobinopatías / Conventional techniques applied to the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies / Técnicas convencionais aplicadas ao diagnóstico das hemoglobinopatias

Las hemoglobinopatías son trastornos hereditarios debidos a una gran variedad de defectos que afectan a los genes de globina. El diagnóstico de las hemoglobinopatías resulta de una combinación de estudios clínicos, pruebas de laboratorio y estudio familiar. Las herramientas básicas incluyen hemograma, hemoglobina e índices eritrocitarios (VCM, HCM), morfología de los eritrocitos, recuento de reticulocitos y perfil de hierro. Las determinaciones complementarias son electroforesis de hemoglobina que permite separar las diferentes variantes de acuerdo con su carga eléctrica, cuantificación de hemoglobina A2 (HbA2), Fetal (Hb F), pruebas de solubilidad hemoglobínica y falciformación. Otras técnicas se basan en propiedades fisicoquímicas como la estabilidad de la hemoglobina para detección de variantes inestables. En la práctica las pruebas más útiles son las que permiten detectar la presencia de hemoglobinopatías, como ocurre con la hemoglobina S dejando para laboratorios especializados aquellos procedimientos para identificar la mutación. La correcta detección de los portadores de las diferentes hemoglobinopatías tiene como finalidad dar un consejo genético adecuado sobre la forma de herencia, el riesgo de tener hijos afectados con las formas graves de la enfermedad y evitar tratamientos innecesarios. El diagnóstico molecular se reserva para la alfa talasemia, para cuadros con genotipos complejos, estudios prenatales o epidemiológicos.

Hemoglobinopathies are hereditary syndromes determined by a large variety of globin gene defects. Hemoglobinopathy diagnosis results from the combination of clinical orientation, laboratory tests and family studies. Basic tools include complete blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin quantification and red cell indices (MCV, MCH), blood film examination, reticulocyte count and iron status. Complementary determinations are hemoglobin electrophoresis, which enables the separation of the different hemoglobin variants according to their electrical charge, A2, and Fetal hemoglobin quantification, hemoglobin solubility and sickling test for Hb S diagnosis. Other techniques are based on physicochemical properties such as stability of hemoglobin for detection of unstable variants. In practice, the most useful tests are those that enable the detection of hemoglobinopathies, such as hemoglobin S, and the identification of the genetic defects is referred to specialized laboratories. The correct detection of the carriers of the different hemoglobinopathies is intended to give adequate genetic advice on the form of inheritance and the risk of having affected children with the severe forms of the disease and to avoid unnecessary treatments. Molecular diagnosis is reserved to a thalassemia complex genotypes, prenatal o epidemiological studies.

As hemoglobinopatias são distúrbios hereditários resultantes de uma grande variedade de defeitos que afetam os genes de globina. O diagnóstico das hemoglobinopatias decorre de uma combinação de estudos clínicos, provas de laboratório e estudo familiar. As ferramentas básicas incluem hemograma, hemoglobina e índices eritrocitários (VCM, HCM), morfologia dos eritrócitos, contagem de reticulócitos e perfil de ferro. As determinações complementares são eletroforese de hemoglobina que permite separar as diferentes variantes, de acordo com sua carga elétrica, quantificação de hemoglobina A2 (HbA2), Fetal (Hb F), provas de solubilidade hemoglobínica e falciformação. Outras técnicas baseiam-se em propriedades fisicoquímicas como a estabilidade da hemoglobina para detecção de variantes instáveis. Na prática, as provas mais úteis são as que permitem detectar a presença de hemoglobinopatias, como acontece com a hemoglobina S deixando para laboratórios especializados aqueles procedimentos para identificar a mutação. Detectar corretamente os portadores das diferentes hemoglobinopatías visa a dar um conselho genético adequado sobre a forma de herança, o risco de ter filhos afetados com as formas graves da doença e evitar tratamentos desnecessários. O diagnóstico molecular se reserva para a alfa talassemia, para quadros com genótipos complexos, estudos pré-natais ou epidemiológicos.

O cuidado de enfermagem à pessoa com doença falciforme em unidade de emergência / El cuidado de enfermería a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en unidad de urgencias / Nursing care to people suffering with sickle cell disease in emergency unit

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou identificar como a equipe de enfermagem percebe o cuidado à pessoa com doença falciforme na unidade de emergência. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo e descritivo, desenvolvido em um hospital especializado no Rio de Janeiro com 12 membros da equipe de enfermagem do referido setor. A produção de dados ocorreu entre abril e setembro de 2014, mediante entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo, emergindo como categoria: A equipe de enfermagem no cuidado à pessoa com doença falciforme na emergência. Ao cuidar da pessoa com doença falciforme em unidade de emergência, a equipe de enfermagem enfrenta algumas limitações, tais como: o manejo da dor, o nível de conhecimento da equipe sobre a doença, a organização e a estrutura do serviço diante das demandas de cuidado. Para cuidar dessas pessoas, os membros da equipe de enfermagem precisam estar preparados para saber avaliá-las considerando suas necessidades e suas trajetórias de vida com a doença, que implica em inúmeras internações ao longo da vida.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo el objetivo de identificar cómo el equipo de enfermería percibe el cuidado a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en la unidad de urgencias. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo y descriptivo, desarrollado en un hospital especializado en Rio de Janeiro-Brasil con 12 miembros del equipo de enfermería del referido sector. La producción de datos ocurrió entre abril y septiembre de 2014, mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos fueron sometidos al análisis de contenido, surgiendo como categoría: El equipo de enfermería en el cuidado a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en urgencias. Al cuidar a la persona con enfermedad falciforme en unidad de urgencias, el equipo de enfermería enfrenta algunas limitaciones, tales como: el manejo del dolor, el nivel de conocimiento del equipo sobre la enfermedad, la organización y la estructura del servicio ante las demandas de cuidado. Para cuidar a estas personas, los miembros del equipe de enfermería necesitan estar preparados para saber evaluarlas, considerando sus necesidades y sus trayectorias de vida con la enfermedad, que implica en innúmeras internaciones a lo largo de la vida.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify how the nursing team perceives the care to the person with sickle cell disease at the emergency unit. This is a qualitative and descriptive study, developed in a specialized hospital in Rio de Janeiro with 12 members of the said sector nursing team. The Data production took place between April and September 2014 through semi-structured interview. Data were submitted to content analysis and the following category arised: The nursing staff in the care for the person with sickle cell disease in the emergency room. By taking care of the person with sickle cell disease in the emergency department, the nursing team faces some limitations, such as: pain management, the team's level of knowledge on the disease, the organization and structure of the service on the care demands. To take care of these people, members of the nursing staff must be prepared to learn to evaluate them considering their needs and their life histories with the disease, which involves numerous hospitalizations lifelong.

Coexistence of Malaria and Thalassemia in Malaria Endemic Areas of Thailand

Hemoglobinopathy and malaria are commonly found worldwide particularly in malaria endemic areas. Thalassemia, the alteration of globin chain synthesis, has been reported to confer resistance against malaria. The prevalence of thalassemia was investigated in 101 malaria patients with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax along the Thai-Myanmar border to examine protective effect of thalassemia against severe malaria. Hemoglobin typing was performed using low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC) and alpha-thalassemia was confirmed by multiplex PCR. Five types of thalassemia were observed in malaria patients. The 2 major types of thalassemia were Hb E (18.8%) and alpha-thalassemia-2 (11.9%). There was no association between thalassemia hemoglobinopathy and malaria parasitemia, an indicator of malaria disease severity. Thalassemia had no significant association with P. vivax infection, but the parasitemia in patients with coexistence of P. vivax and thalassemia was about 2-3 times lower than those with coexistence of P. falciparum and thalassemia and malaria without thalassemia. Furthermore, the parasitemia of P. vivax in patients with coexistence of Hb E showed lower value than coexistence with other types of thalassemia and malaria without coexistence. Parasitemia, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values in patients with coexistence of thalassemia other than Hb E were significantly lower than those without coexistence of thalassemia. Furthermore, parasitemia with coexistence of Hb E were 2 times lower than those with coexistence of thalassemia other than Hb E. In conclusion, the results may, at least in part, support the protective effect of thalassemia on the development of hyperparasitemia and severe anemia in malaria patients.

JAK2 V617 mutation triggers erythropoiesis and patients present with good hemoglobin level in idiopathic myelofibrosis [IMF]

To document the impact of JAK2 mutation on hemoglobin [Hb] level in patients with IMF. Thirty five patients were studied out of which 19 were JAK2 positive and 16 were JAK2 negative. Sample collection technique was purposive non-probability sampling. Variations were observed among the studied JAK2 positive and JAK2 negative patients regarding hemoglobin level. In JAK2 positive and negative patients mean hemoglobin level was 10.6g/dl and 8.6g/dl respectively [p=0.29]. Due to the better hemoglobin level, patients with JAK2 mutation have less transfusion requirements and are partially protected against severe anemias compared to patients with no mutation.

Molecular characterization of hemoglobin D Punjab traits and clinical-hematological profile of the patients / Caracterização molecular dos traços de hemoglobina D Punjab e perfil clínico-hematológico dos pacientes

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Hemoglobin (Hb) D hemoglobinopathies are widespread diseases in northwestern India and usually present with mild hemolytic anemia and mild to moderate splenomegaly. The heterozygous form of Hb D is clinically silent, but coinheritance of Hb D with Hb S or beta-thalassemia produces clinically significant conditions like thalassemia intermedia of moderate severity. Under heterozygous conditions with coinheritance of alpha and beta-thalassemia, patients show a degree of clinical variability. Thus, our aim was to molecularly characterize the Hb D trait among individuals who were clinically symptomatic because of co-inheritance of alpha deletions or any beta-globin gene mutations. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an autonomous tertiary-care hospital. METHODS: Complete blood count and red cell indices were measured using an automated cell analyzer. Quantitative assessment of hemoglobin Hb F, Hb A, Hb A2 and Hb D was performed by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). DNA extraction was done using the phenol-chloroform method. Molecular analyses on common alpha deletions and common beta mutations were done using the Gap polymerase chain reaction and Amplification Refractory Mutation System, respectively. RESULTS: We evaluated 30 patients and found clinical variation in the behavior of Hb D traits. In six patients, the Hb D traits were clinically symptomatic and behaved like those of thalassemia intermedia. Molecular characterization showed that three out of these six were IVS-1-5 positive. CONCLUSIONS: HPLC may not be the gold standard for diagnosing symptomatic Hb D Punjab traits. Hence, standard confirmation should include molecular studies.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Hemoglobinopatias da hemoglobina (Hb) D são doenças amplamente disseminadas no noroeste da Índia e geralmente se apresentam com anemia hemolítica leve e esplenomegalia leve a moderada. A forma heterozigótica de Hb D é clinicamente silenciosa, mas co-herança de Hb D com Hb S ou beta-talassemia produzem condições clinicamente significativas, como talassemia intermediária de gravidade moderada. Em condição heterozigótica com co-herança de alfa e beta-talassemia, pacientes mostram variabilidade clínica. Assim, nosso objetivo foi a caracterização molecular dos traços da Hb D em individuos clinicamente sintomáticos, devido à co-herança de deleções de alfa ou quaisquer mutações gênicas de beta-globina. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal; realizado em um hospital de cuidado terciário autônomo. MÉTODOS: Hemograma completo e índices de células vermelhas foram medidos pelo analisador automatizado de células. Avaliação quantitativa de hemoglobina Hb F, Hb A, Hb A2 e Hb D foi realizada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Extração de DNA foi feita pelo método de fenol-clorofórmio. Estudo molecular para deleções comuns de alfa e mutações comuns de beta foi feito por Gap-reação em cadeia da polimerase e amplificação refratária de mutação, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 30 pacientes e verificamos variação clínica no comportamento dos traços da Hb D. Em seis pacientes, os traços da Hb D foram clinicamente sintomáticos e se comportavam como os de talassemia intermédia. A caracterização molecular mostrou que três desses seis pacientes eram IVS-1-5 positivos. CONCLUSÕES: HPLC pode não ser o padrão ouro para o diagnóstico de traços de Hb D Punjab sintomáticos. Assim, a confirmação padrão ouro deve incluir estudos moleculares.

The inherited disorders of haemoglobin: an increasingly neglected global health burden.

An estimated 300,000 babies are born each year with a severe inherited disease of haemoglobin and that over 80 per cent of these births occur in low- or middle-income countries. As these countries go through the epidemiological transition, characterized by a reduction in childhood and infant mortality due to improved public health measures, infants who had previously died of these conditions before they were recognised are now surviving to present for diagnosis and treatment. For a variety of reasons, even in the rich countries there are limited data about the true frequency, natural history, and survival of patients with these disorders, information that is absolutely critical towards providing governments and international health agencies with accurate information about the true global health burden of these conditions. The situation can only be improved by major action on the part of the rich countries together with the formation of partnerships between rich and poor countries and input from the major international health agencies and funding organisations.

Hemoglobin polymorphism and morphometrical correlates in the west african dwarf sheep of Nigeria / Polimorfismo de la hemoglobina y correlaciones morfométricas en la oveja enana del oeste áfricano en Nigeria

Red cells extracted from blood samples taken by jugular venipuncture from a total of thirty-six traditionally managed adult West African Dwarf rams and ewes were subjected to starch gel electrophoresis, stained to reveal the activities of different allelemorphs at hemoglobin locus and analyzed. The studies was aimed at examining genetic variation as well as pattern of segregation at the locus and unveil possible association that might exist between the phenotypes and selected zoometrical traits. From the three theoretically phenotypes expected to be produced in the population by the two co-dominant alleles identified, only two: HbAA and HbAB were observed. The observed genotype frequencies conformed to Hardy-Weinberg's equilibrium. Proportion of polymorphic loci was 10.10 percent while heterozygosity (H) was 0.218. Investigation showed that the Mendelian segregation at the loci tested was not congruent with investigated quantitative traits vis-à-vis horn and hair lengths tested. The hemoglobin phenotypes are independent of the traits tested.

Hematíes extraídos de muestras de sangre tomadas por punción venosa yugular de un total de treinta y seis carneros y ovejas enanas del oeste Áfricano, tradicionalmente manejadas como adultos, fueron sometidos a electroforesis en gel de almidón, y analizados mediante tinción para revelar las actividades de los morfoalelos en los diferentes locus de la hemoglobina. El objetivo del estudio fue examinar la variación genética, así como el patrón de segregación en el locus, y develar la posible asociación que puede existir entre los fenotipos y los rasgos zoométricos seleccionados. De los tres fenotipos teóricamente esperados a ser producidos en la población por los dos alelos co-dominantes identificados, sólo dos: HbAA y HbAB fueron observados. Las frecuencias genotípicas observadas se conformaron de acuerdo al equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg. La proporción de locis polimórficos fue 10,10 por ciento, mientras que la heterocigosidad (H) fue 0,218. La investigación mostró que la segregación mendeliana en los loci probados no fue congruente con los rasgos cuantitativos investigados vis-à-vis de longitud de cuernos y pelo. Los fenotipos de hemoglobina son independientes de las características de la prueba.

Advances in management of thalassemia.

Thalassemias represent the most common single-gene disorder causing a major public health problem in India. Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies probably developed over 7000 years ago as a defense against malaria. In simple terms, thalassemia is caused by a mutation in either the â-globin chain or the á-globin chain which combine equally in red cells to form hemoglobin. These mutations lead to varying degree of anemia resulting into thalassemia minor, intermedia or major. Present write up relates to advances in the management of â-thalassemia major.

Fish hemoglobins

Vertebrate hemoglobin, contained in erythrocytes, is a globular protein with a quaternary structure composed of 4 globin chains (2 alpha and 2 beta) and a prosthetic group named heme bound to each one. Having myoglobin as an ancestor, hemoglobin acquired the capacity to respond to chemical stimuli that modulate its function according to tissue requirements for oxygen. Fish are generally submitted to spatial and temporal O2 variations and have developed anatomical, physiological and biochemical strategies to adapt to the changing environmental gas availability. Structurally, most fish hemoglobins are tetrameric; however, those from some species such as lamprey and hagfish dissociate, being monomeric when oxygenated and oligomeric when deoxygenated. Fish blood frequently possesses several hemoglobins; the primary origin of this finding lies in the polymorphism that occurs in the globin loci, an aspect that may occasionally confer advantages to its carriers or even be a harmless evolutionary remnant. On the other hand, the functional properties exhibit different behaviors, ranging from a total absence of responses to allosteric regulation to drastic ones, such as the Root effect.

Description of electrophoretic and chromatographic hemoglobin profile of Rhinoclemmys punctularia

Studies of the hemoglobin pattern in Brazilian reptiles are important for determining ecological and phylogenetic relationships, but they are scarce. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 7 males and 18 females of Rhinoclemmys punctularia. The hematological profile was based on the total hemoglobin and hematocrit values. The hemoglobin profile was obtained using electrophoretic procedures at different pH, isoelectric focusing, globin chain electrophoresis, and HPLC. The hematocrit (31 +/- 2%) and total hemoglobin (7.5 +/- 0.2 g/dL) values did not indicate gender variations. Alkaline pH electrophoresis of the total blood samples treated with 1% saponin demonstrated the presence of four well-defined hemoglobin fractions, one major component (fraction I), showing cathodic migration and three others faster than fraction I with anodic migration. When the samples were precipitated with chloroform, only two hemoglobin fractions were observed, similar to fractions I and III from the first procedure. Isoelectric focusing and HPLC showed the same pattern. With acid and neutral pH electrophoresis, two fractions with anodic migration were observed. The globin chain identification at alkaline pH showed two fractions, but four fractions were observed at acidic pH, suggesting that different polypeptide chains are involved in the hemoglobin molecule. The chromatographic separation of the total blood sample demonstrated that the major fraction comprised 81.9% and the minor 18.1%. The results obtained demonstrated a similarity between these hemoglobin components and those of some Chelidae reported in the literature for both land and aquatic animals, reflecting the adaptation to environmental conditions.

Haematological and genetic features of deltabeta-thalassaemia in Pakistan

To describe the haematological and genetic features of db-thalassaemia in Pakistani patients. Descriptive case series. Department of Pathology, PNS Shifa, Karachi and Department of Haematology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, from January 1994 to April 2004. Thirteen individuals from six unrelated Pakistani families with a haematological diagnosis of dbthalassaemia were studied. A brief clinical history, and the results of blood counts, absolute values, Hb-F, Hb-A2, and haemoglobin electrophoresis were recorded. The DNA from each subject was first screened for the b-thalassaemia mutations found in the Pakistani population. The samples were then screened for the Inv/Del Gg[Agdb]o. The subjects included six heterozygotes, six homozygotes and one compound heterozygote of db- and b-thalassemia. All heterozygotes and 4/6 homozygotes were asymptomatic. One homozygote had thalassemia intermedia while another had transfusion dependent anaemia. The mean Hb, TRBC, MCV, MCH, Hb-F and Hb-A2 in db-thalassaemia heterozygotes were 11.6 g/dl, 5.37 x 1012/L, 70.9 fl, and 21.7 pg, 14% and 2.6% respectively. The same values in the four untransfused homozygotes were 10.6 g/dl, 5.34x1012/L, 69.2fl, and 20.8pg, 100% and 0% respectively. The mutation analysis revealed that all 13 individuals had the same Inv/Del Gg[Agdb]o. db-thalassaemia is a rare disorder in Pakistan. Although the clinical picture is very mild its combination with b-thalassaemia trait can produce a sever transfusion dependent thalassaemia. The DNA based diagnosis is possible in the prenatal as well as the postnatal period

Contribuição do estudo molecular de hemoglobinas S-like para o conhecimento da diversidade genética da população brasileira: [carta ao editor] / The contribution of molecular studies of S-like hemoglobins to knowledge of the genetic diversity of the Brazilian population: [letter to editor]

Over 900 hemoglobin variants have already been described, withmore than 100 having electrophoretic migration similar to Hb S inalkaline pHs. In the analysis of 98 samples that presented with thismigration pattern, Hb D-Los Angeles in heterozygosis was prevalentand associations with Hb S and Hb Lepore were identified, apreviously unpublished fact and with beta-thalassemia, which isalso rare. In addition, carriers of Hb Korle-Bu and Hb Hasharonwere found amongst other hemoglobinopathies. This heterogeneityreflects the special colonization conditions and the high racialadmixture in Brazil. The correct laboratorial diagnosis is veryimportant for hemoglobinopathy carriers because of the manyassociations of hemoglobin alterations and the variants with comigration.An accurate identification of hemoglobin variants isessential for genetic counseling and appropriate therapy.

Allele related mutation specific-polymerase chain reaction for rapid diagnosis of Hb New York (beta 113 (G15) Val-->Glu, beta(CD113 GTG-->GAG)).

Hemoglobin New York (beta 113 (G15) Val-->Glu), a beta-globin variant, was first reported in a Chinese family living in New York. Subsequently, this abnormal hemoglobin was reported in many Chinese descendants from several groups and it was also known as Hb Kaohsiung. The subtle change in alpha1beta1 contact region apart from the heme group connecting area by Val-->Glu substitution has minor changes in both the electrophoretic mobility and stability making this hemoglobin variant difficult to distinguish from Hb A using routine hemoglobin analysis. The authors described a case of heterozygosity of Hb New York diagnosed by a molecular technique and revealed a mutation in beta(CD113 GTG-->GAG). A novel Allele Related Mutation Specific-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) for rapid diagnosis of this mutation has been proposed.

Anti-E as a cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn.

A case of HDN caused by anti-E antibody is reported. A group A, E-positive, hemoglobin E trait female infant was born from a group A, E-negative, beta-thalassemia/hemoglobin E mother. Hyperbilirubinemia was noted at the first day of life. The DAT was positive. Anti-E was detected in the maternal serum. Jaundice and anemia occurring to the baby were severe enough to require phototherapy intervention for 9 days and 50 ml of group A, E-negative packed red blood cells was transfused. The baby's condition improved. She was discharged at 12 days of age. Follow-up of the baby at 1 year old showed that she was alive and in good health.

Red cell parameters in alpha-thalassemia with and without beta-thalassemia trait or hemoglobin E trait.

Eighty-five patients who attended at Ramathibodi Hospital during November 1994 to June 1996 were investigated for thalassemia genotype, hemoglobin (Hb) typing and blood cell parameters. All patients were screened primarily for complete blood count using the Technicon H*3 automated hematology analyzer and Hb typing using the automated HPLC. Their genotypes were evaluated by in vitro gene amplification using primers for detection of common alpha-thalassemic genes found in the Thai population. We found 45 cases out of 85 were alpha-thalassemia trait with A2A typing, 10 were normal, 7 were alpha-thalassemia trait complicated by beta-thalassemia trait or HbE trait, 18 were HbH disease or HbH with Hb Constant Spring (HbH/CS), and 5 were AE Bart's disease. The alpha-thalassemia 1 trait had heterogeneity in red cell population as shown by increased red cell distribution width (RDW), the increased percent microcytic red cell (%Micro) and decreased mean cell volume (MCV). Red cell parameters in alpha-thalassemia 2 trait and HbCS trait were not significantly different from normal. The cases with coinheritance of alpha-thalassemia trait with beta-thalassemia trait or with HbE trait showed variation in their red cell parameters: one case showed less abnormal red cell parameters than those of uncomplicated alpha-thalassemia but the other two cases showed unimproved values. The homozygous alpha-thalassemia 2 showed similar red cell parameters to the alpha-thalassemia 1 trait. In conclusion, we can screen the alpha-thalassemia 1 trait and homozygous alpha-thalassemia 2 by using the simple red cell parameters such as the MCV and RDW; however, they must be confirmed for alpha-thalassemic genes. Unfortunately, red cell parameters of alpha-thalassemia 2 trait or HbCS trait were not different from those of normal subjects.