OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible causes of abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis results. METHODS: The hemoglobin electrophoresis results of 5 696 patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College from September 2018 to July 2021 were collected, and the abnormal results and clinical significance were analyzed. RESULTS: The results of 486 patients (accounting for 8.53%) were abnormal, of which 300 cases had increased HbA2, 135 cases had decreased HbA2, 44 cases had increased F alone, and 7 cases had abnormal hemoglobin bands. Among the 486 patients, 246 patients were thalassemia gene positive (the positive rate was 50.62%), including 29 cases of α thalassemia, 208 cases of β thalassemia and 9 cases of αβ thalassemia. Among the patients with elevated HbA2, 68.67% were detected β thalassemia, 3.00% αβ thalassemia, 9.33% were suspected to be caused by macrocytosis, 6.33% by thyroid dysfunction, and 12.67% by uncertainty of the method. Among the patients with reduced HbA2, 21.48% were detected α thalassemia, 60.00% iron deficiency anemia, 8.15% were suspected to be caused by thyroid dysfunction, and 10.37% by uncertainty of the method. Among the patients with elevated F alone, the results of thalassemia gene detection were negative, 40.91% of them were suspected to be caused by macrocytosis, 27.27% by hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, 29.55% by special physiological condition of pregnant women, and 2.27% by hyperthyroidism. Abnormal hemoglobin bands were detected in 7 patients, including 4 cases of hemoglobin D, 2 cases of hemoglobin E, and 1 case of hemoglobin J. CONCLUSION Thalassemia, iron deficiency anemia, macrocytosis such as megaloblastic anemia and non-severe aplastic anemia, thyroid dysfunction, hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, abnormal hemoglobin diseases, the uncertainty of the method are all important causes of abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis results. In clinical work, the patient's indicators should be comprehensively analyzed to determine the possible cause.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Fetal Hemoglobin/analysis* ; alpha-Thalassemia ; Blood Protein Electrophoresis ; Hemoglobin A2/analysis* ; Hemoglobins, Abnormal/analysis*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics of common δβ-thalassemia/hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin(HPFH) in the prepregnant population in Huadu, and to provide a laboratory basis for prevention and control of thalassemia. METHODS: Blood samples of childbearing age people in Huadu District of Guangzhou who participated in free thalassemia testing from January 2016 to July 2021 were collected for hematological parameters analysis and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Chinese ^Gγ⁺(^Aγδβ)⁰-thalassemia, ^SEA-HPFH and Taiwanese deletion β-thalassemia were detected by Gap-PCR in the samples with higher HbF(≥5%). Primers were designed for the proximal HBG1 and HBG2 promoter, and the point mutations in the proximal promoter region were detected by Sanger sequencing. Hematology parameters data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Among 27 088 samples, Thirteen cases of Chinese ^Gγ⁺(^Aγδβ)⁰-thalassemia and thirty-three cases of ^SEA-HPFH were detected, which including 3 cases of Chinese ^Gγ⁺(^Aγδβ)⁰/β^N compounded with --^SEA/αα and three cases of ^SEA-HPFH/β^N compounded with --^SEA/αα. 6 carriers with ^Aγ-196 C>T were also detected; No Taiwanese thalassemia genetype was detected. The total detection rate of common δβ-thalassemia/HPFH was 0.19% (52/27 088). There were significant differences in the levels of MCV, MCH, HbA₂, and HbF among Chinese ^Gγ⁺(^Aγδβ)⁰-thalassemia, ^SEA-HPFH, ^Aγ-196 C>T (P<0.001). The hematological parameters of ^Aγ-196C>T combined with α⁰-thalassemia were similar to those of Chinese ^Gγ⁺(^Aγδβ)⁰-thalassemia carriers, and only HbA₂ was significantly lower than that of the latter, which was helpful for clinical identification. CONCLUSION δβ-thalassemia/HPFH should be included in the scope of thalassemia prevention program in the prepregnant population in Huadu District, and hematological parameters can provide some basis for identifying different types of δβ-thalassemia/HPFH.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Fetal Hemoglobin/genetics* ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Thalassemia/genetics* ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictors of hematologic responses of non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) to thalidomide. METHODS: 33 patients with NTDT who treated with thalidomide in the 923rd Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army from May 2016 to June 2019 were included in the study. The basic data, hematological indexes, degree of treatment response and genetic background of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The baseline fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level of main responders (MaR) was significantly higher than that of minor responders (MiR) and no responders (NR) (P=0.001). And the baseline HbF level was positively correlated with hemoglobin increment after treatment (r=0.601). Genetic background analysis showed that the frequencies of the genotype CT of HBG2 rs7482144 (P=0.031), the genotypes CT/CC (P=0.030) and the minor allele C (P=0.015) of HBS1L-MYB rs9399137, the genotypes AT/TT (P=0.030) and the minor allele T (P=0.028) of HBS1L-MYB rs4895440, the genotypes AG/GG (P=0.030) and the minor allele G (P=0.028) of HBS1L-MYB rs4895441 (P=0.030) in MaR group were significantly higher than those in MiR and NR groups. Comparing the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the above indicators to predict the main response, the results demonstrated that the predictive value of baseline HbF level was significantly better than rs7482144 (0.91 vs 0.72, P=0.003), rs9399137 (0.91 vs 0.74, P=0.022), rs4895440 (0.91 vs 0.74, P=0.023) and rs4895441 (0.91 vs 0.74, P=0.023), but there was no significant difference in the predictive value between combined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (0.91 vs 0.88, P=0.658）and baseline HbF combined SNPs (0.91 vs 0.97, P=0.132). The AUC value of baseline HbF predicting the efficacy of thalidomide as the main response was 0.91, the cut-off value was 27.4%, the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 58.3% (P=0.001). CONCLUSION The hematologic response of NTDT to thalidomide is variable and complex. Compared to genetic background, baseline HbF may be a simpler and more efficient tool to predict efficacy response.
Fetal Hemoglobin/genetics* ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Repressor Proteins/genetics* ; Thalidomide/therapeutic use* ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the hematological characteristics of Chinese METHODS: Hemoglobin electrophoresis and blood routine test were used to analyze the hematological indexes of all peripheral blood samples，PCR-Flow fluorescent hybridization and Gap-PCR were used to detect the globin gene mutations and the data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The 3 types of deletion β- Thalassemia patients were showed as hypochromic small cell anemia. The MCH and MCV values of Taiwan type β-thalassemia patients were the lowest. The results of hemoglobin electrophoresis showed that the increasing of HbF was found in all of the 3 types. Except for the decreasing of Hb A2 in Chinese CONCLUSION Through analyze the hematological characteristics, it can be provide that the guidance for the differential diagnosis and genetic consultation of the three commonest deletion β-thalassemia in Chinese.
China ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fetal Hemoglobin ; Humans ; Mutation ; Thalassemia ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics*

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a single gene genetic disease, which seriously threatens the life span and quality of patients. On the basis of the pathogenesis of SCD and the alternative therapy based on fetal hemoglobin F (HbF), the research progress of transcription factors involved in the regulation of HbF gene expression, such as BCL11A, ZBTB7A, KLF-1, c-MYB and SOX6, as well as the application of CRISPR / Cas9, TALEN, zinc finger nuclease and other gene editing technologies in this field has been made, providing a solid theoretical basis for the exploration of new treatment schemes for β- like hemoglobin diseases, such as sickle cell disease and β- thalassemia.
Anemia, Sickle Cell/therapy* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Fetal Hemoglobin/genetics* ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Repressor Proteins/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is currently the mainstream technology for detecting hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a gold indicator for diagnosing diabetes, however, the accuracy of HbA1c test is affected by thalassemia factor hemoglobin F (HbF)/hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) and variant hemoglobin during HPLC analysis. In this study, a new anti-interference hemoglobin analysis system of HPLC is proposed. In this system, the high-pressure three-gradient elution method was improved, and the particle size and sieve plate aperture in the high-pressure chromatography column and the structure of the double-plunger reciprocating series high-pressure pump were optimized. The system could diagnose both HbA1c and thalassemia factor HbF/HbA2 and variant hemoglobin, and the performance of the system was anti-interference and stable. It is expected to achieve industrialization. In this study, the HbA1c and thalassemia factor HbF/HbA2 detection performance was compared between this system and the world's first-line brand products such as Tosoh G8, Bio-Rad Ⅶ and D10 glycosylated hemoglobin analysis system. The results showed that the linear correlation between this system and the world-class system was good. The system is the first domestic hemoglobin analysis system by HPLC for screening of HbA1c and thalassemia factor HbF/HbA2 rapidly and accurately.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Fetal Hemoglobin/analysis* ; Glycated Hemoglobin A/analysis* ; Hemoglobin A2/analysis* ; Hemoglobins

β-thalassaemias are inherited hemoglobin disorders caused by defects in the β-globin gene. In recent years, researches have re-mentioned the therapeutic significance of drug-induced fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which can reduce the imbalance of α and β chains and improve the severity of anemia by increasing the expression of γ chain. Drug trials, such as hydroxyurea, thalidomide and desitabine have shown elevated hemoglobin, decreased blood transfusion dependence, and reduced symptoms other than anemia after treatment. In addition, in vitro experiments suggested that HbF can also induce by other drugs, which providing important clues for safe and effective HbF inducers. Therefore, this article reviews the current research progress so as to expect beneficial to clinical treatment.
Blood Transfusion ; Fetal Hemoglobin ; Humans ; Hydroxyurea ; beta-Globins ; beta-Thalassemia

To date, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only choice of therapy for most patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Relapse remains a major problem. Approximately 90% of patients carry either somatic or germline mutations of genes participating in RAS signal transduction such as PTPN11, CBL, K-RAS, N-RAS, or NF1 in their leukemic cells, allowing an understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of JMLL and the development of novel drugs. As these genetic aberrations are mutually exclusive, the genetic change observed in JMML helps us to establish the diagnosis of JMML. Furthermore, the genetic abnormalities of JMML are an important prognostic factor, as the type of abnormality may determine disease progression. Recent studies have revealed a strong association between hypermethylation of some genes and already known poor prognostic factors such as older age, elevated fetal hemoglobin at diagnosis, and somatic mutation of PTPN11. These molecular characteristics may be the basis for a guideline to determine the treatment, especially when to proceed with HSCT. Recently, novel drugs have been used based on these molecular characteristics. 5-Azacitidine, an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase and tipifarnib, a selective farnesyl transferase inhibitor, have been used to improve the outcome of JMML. In addition, drugs which inhibit the RAS signal transduction have been developed, which are less toxic and will improve outcome in the near future.
Diagnosis ; Disease Progression ; DNA ; Fetal Hemoglobin ; Germ-Line Mutation ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Juvenile* ; Recurrence ; Signal Transduction ; Transferases

OBJECTIVETo analyze the hematological and genetic characteristics of unstable hemoglobin Rush (Hb Rush) and compound heterozygote of Hb Rush and thalassemia.

METHODSPeripheral blood samples and genomic DNA from three patients (including two ethnic Dai and one Han Chinese) with anemia of undetermined origin were collected. Hematological phenotypes of these patients were determined through red blood cell analysis and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Genotypes of alpha- and beta-globin genes, -158 XmnⅠ polymorphic site ofγ promoter region, and haplotypes of 7 polymorphic restriction sites in the beta-globin gene cluster were determined using PCR-based methods and DNA sequencing.

RESULTSAll patients have presented hypochromic microcytic anemia and hemoglobin fraction with significant increased measurement (30.5%-59.2%) in the region of fetal hemoglobin during alkaline medium electrophoresis. DNA analysis suggested that all patients have carried mutations leading to the unstable hemoglobin Rush (HBB codon 101, GAG>CAG, Glu>Gln). Two of them were compound heterozygotes of Hb Rush and thalassemia mutations of -α,CD17 and Hb E, respectively. Hb Rush mutation was associated with various haplotypes of the β-globin gene cluster. No significant association was found between increased abnormal hemoglobin fraction in the region of Hb F and the polymorphism ofγ promoter or large deletion of the beta-globin gene cluster.

CONCLUSIONThis study has confirmed the distribution of Hb Rush among various Chinese populations and is the third report of its kind. Hb Rush can result in increased measurement of hemoglobin fraction in the region of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) during routine hemoglobin electrophoresis under alkaline condition. Hb Rush heterozygote alone can lead to hypochromic microcytic anemia and thalassemia-like phenotype. Prenatal diagnosis of Hb Rush is necessary for carriers.

Adult ; Base Sequence ; Blood Protein Electrophoresis ; methods ; Female ; Fetal Hemoglobin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; Hemoglobins, Abnormal ; genetics ; metabolism ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Infant ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; methods ; Thalassemia ; blood ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Young Adult ; alpha-Globins ; genetics ; metabolism ; beta-Globins ; genetics ; metabolism

β-thalassemia is a chronic hemolytic anemia characterized by the reduction or absence of synthesis of β-globin chains because of the β-globin gene mutations. β-thalassemia belongs to the inherited hemoglobin disease, and occurs in some provinces of China, such as in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, its prevalence is about 2%. The treatment of this disease include transfusion, iron chelating agent, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, splenectomy, induced expression of Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) and gene therapies. However, the mortality rate of this disease is still higher, thus some new treatments are urgently needed. In recent years, the study was mainly concentrated in 2 aspects: the normal β-globin gene transfer and endogenous γ-globin re-activation. Some studies showed that the expression of miRNAs was dysregulated in β-thalassemia. Some miRNAs could regulate γ-globin at posttranscriptional level, thus, the clarification of relationship between miRNAs and β-thalassemia is expected to provide experimental bases to β-thalassemia therapy. In this review, the induced therapy of γ-globin for β-thalassemia and its relationship with the miRNA are summarized.
China ; Fetal Hemoglobin ; metabolism ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; beta-Globins ; genetics ; beta-Thalassemia ; therapy ; gamma-Globins ; therapeutic use