Analysis of Thalassemia Gene Variants in the Wuhan Region.
10.19746/j.cnki.issn.1009-2137.2025.05.024
- Author:
Xiao-Fan CHEN
1
;
Yong-Fen XIONG
1
;
Bin-Tao SU
1
;
Jing YU
1
;
Han LI
2
;
Shun WANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan 430033, Hubei Province, China.
2. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
α-thalassemia;
β-thalassemia;
genetic testing;
rare mutation;
Wuhan area
- MeSH:
Humans;
Female;
Male;
Genotype;
beta-Thalassemia/genetics*;
China;
Thalassemia/genetics*;
alpha-Thalassemia/genetics*;
Genetic Variation
- From:
Journal of Experimental Hematology
2025;33(5):1398-1404
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:To analyze the distribution of thalassemia (referred to as "thalassemia") gene variant types in the population of the Wuhan area, aiming to provide a genetic basis for the precise prevention and control as well as clinical diagnosis of thalassemia in the Wuhan region.
METHODS:In this study, 2 133 suspected thalassemia patients and individuals undergoing prenatal screening who visited the Department of Hematology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, Pediatrics, and Neurology at Wuhan First Hospital from October 2022 to October 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients. The common 27 thalassemia genotypes of α- and β-thalassemia were initially screened using fluorescence PCR melting curve analysis technology. For samples where the fluorescence PCR melting curve results indicated unknown variants or where the clinical phenotype was inconsistent with the common genotypes, Sanger sequencing technology was used for review and verification.
RESULTS:Among the 2 133 specimens analyzed, common thalassemia gene variants were detected in 210 cases (9.85%, 210/2 133). A total of 156 cases (8.05%, 156/1 938) of thalassemia gene variants were detected in females and 54 cases (27.69%, 54/195) in males. A total of 94 cases (4.41%, 94/2 133) of α-thalassemia were detected, including 46 cases (2.16%, 46/2 133) of silent α-thalassemia, 47 cases (2.20%, 47/2 133) of mild α-thalassemia, and 1 case (0.05%, 1/2 133) of intermediate α-thalassemia. Additionally, 111 cases of β-thalassemia were identified (5.20%, 111/2 133), including 51 cases of β/β+ thalassemia (2.39%, 51/2 133), 59 cases of β/β0 thalassemia (2.77%, 59/2 133), and 1 case of β+/HbE thalassemia (0.05%, 1/2 133). αβ-composite thalassemia gene variants were detected in 5 cases (0.23%, 5/2 133), including 1 complex variant with a genotype of --SEA/αα combined with CD41-42 (-TTCT) and 29(A>G), representing a heterozygous variant of three genotypes. Rare globin gene variants were detected in 3 cases, including HBB:c.60C>T, HBB:c.-146G>T, and HBA2:c.*12G>A.
CONCLUSION:The Wuhan region exhibits a relatively high prevalence of thalassemia genes with notable gender disparities. While maintaining focus on thalassemia screening for females, enhanced males screening efforts and genetic counseling should be implemented in future prevention programs.
