GLOBIN CHAIN SYNTHESIS ANALYSIS IN OBLIGATE BETA-THALASSEMIA HETEROZYGOTES WITH ISOLATED INCREASE OF HEMOGLOBIN A2 LEVELS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 23  (4) , 193-195
Abstract
Globin chain synthesis analysis was carried out in 14 obligate .beta.0-thalassemia heterozygotes (parents of children with thalassemia major or intermedia due to homozygous .beta.0-thalassemia) with almost normal red blood cell indices and isolated increase of Hb A2 levels. .alpha./.beta. globin chain synthesis ratios were almost balanced or slightly reduced (0.62-1.30). These heterozygotes apparently carry both .alpha.- and .beta.-thalassemia genes. .alpha.-Globin structural gene mapping by restriction enzyme analysis must be carried out to confirm this explanation.