Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: molecular heterogeneity in southeast Asian countries.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is common in malaria endemic regions and is estimated to affect more than 400 million people worldwide. Deficient subjects are mostly asymptomatic but clinical manifestations range from neonatal jaundice due to acute hemolytic anemia to chronic non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia. To date, biochemical parameters allowed more than 400 different G6PD variants to be distinguished thereby suggesting a vast genetic heterogeneity. So far, only a small portion of this heterogeneity has been confirmed at the DNA level with the identification of about 90 different point mutations in the G6PD coding sequence. To determine the molecular background of G6PD deficiency in Southeast Asian countries, we conducted molecular analyses of G6PD patients from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia. The most prevalent mutation identified differs from country to country, thus suggesting independent mutational events of the G6PD gene.

Identification of point mutations in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase gene in Timor Island people : A preliminary report.

Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is common in malaria endemic region, however no molecular study has been performed on G6PD deficiency in Timor Island, Indonesia a malarial hyperendemic area which Proto Malay is the majority of the people in that island. To observe the frequency and molecular type of mutations in G6PD deficient Proto Malay people, 118 native people were screened using formazan ring test. Mutation in the G6PD gene were determined by MPTP (Multiple PCR using Multiple Tandem Forward Primers and a common Reserve Pimer) method and confirmed by automatic sequencer. This study shows that three males have lower G6PD activity. Using MPTP method, a point mutation could be indicated in the two cases. Sequencing of the amplified products in 2 G6PD patients disclosed mutations of T383C in exon 5 and C 592 T in exon 6 in respective case. Our result documents point mutations in exon 5 and exon 6 in the G6PD gene of two Proto Malay people in Timor. These mutations are common in Asia region.