Alpha-thalassemia does not significantly contribute to the low MCV level of Hb C trait.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Fernando F Costa.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Analysis of DNA polymorphic sites is a powerful tool for detection of gene flow in human evolutionary studies and to trace genetic background associated with abnormal genes. The beta-globin locus contains more than 20 single-base restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) sites spanning over 80 kb on chromosome 11. Far downstream of the expressed genes, there is a hypersensitive site (HS). The function of the 3'-HS remains unknown. As an approach to the understanding of the 3'-HS region in sickle cell anemia we searched for sequence polymorphism in the AT-rich region, using a non-radioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) technique. DESIGN AND METHODS: A 460 bp fragment located at the 3' of the b globin gene was amplified from patients (with sickle cell anemia and HbSC disease), and from AS individuals. Standard RFLP-haplotyping was performed and compared with the PCR-SSCP screening strategy. RESULTS: Two distinct band patterns were revealed by SSCP testing, each one in strict linkage disequilibrium with either Benin or Bantu haplotypes. Direct sequencing of the amplified segment revealed a TAA insertion in the AT-rich region, in all 121 beta(S) Benin chromosomes tested, but not in other beta(S) haplotypes from the total of 380 beta(S) chromosomes typed. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: SSCP analysis could easily distinguish sequence variations in the 3'AT-rich region of the beta-globin cluster, and a TAA insertion in this region seems to be specific for the Benin-beta(S) chromosome.
In the present study we describe the clinical and laboratory features of a female child, a compound heterozygote for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) Sumaré (1292T-->G) and African variants (202G-->A). G6PD Sumaré is a variant causing chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. The child had neonatal jaundice 2 days after birth and needed phototherapy for 8 days. Since then, she has not had episodes of dark urine or new episodes of jaundice. She has not had hemolytic crises in spite of five respiratory infections and antibiotics administration. Laboratory data showed a reticulocytosis (5.6%) without anemia and serum unconjugated bilirubin at the upper limit of the normalcy. No hemoglobin and hemosiderin in the urine were detected. G6PD activity at 37 degrees C was 1.15 UI/g Hb and G6PD cellulose acetate electrophoresis at pH 9.0 revealed two bands, in equal amounts, with normal and faster migration, respectively. She was homozygous for the normal (TA)6(TA)6 repeat in the UGT1A1 promoter. We conclude that the association of G6PD Sumaré and G6PD A- gave rise to a very mild chronic hemolysis, and the red cell population containing G6PD A- is probably enough to protect against severe chronic hemolysis.