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Agarwal AM, Rets AV. Advances in Hemoglobinopathies and Thalassemia Evaluation. Clin Lab Med 2024; 44:441-453. [PMID: 39089750 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) disorders are among the most prevalent inherited diseases. Despite a limited number of involved genes, these conditions represent a broad clinical and prognostic spectrum. The menu of laboratory tests is extensive. From widely available modalities, for example, complete blood count to rather sophisticated molecular technologies, the investigation of Hb disorders recapitulates an increasing complexity of laboratory workup in other medical fields. This review highlights a current state of biochemical and molecular investigation of Hb disorders and offers a glimpse on technologies that are yet to be fully embraced in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana M Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah Health and ARUP Laboratories, 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
| | - Anton V Rets
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah Health and ARUP Laboratories, 500 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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2
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Amid A, Liu S, Babbs C, Higgs DR. Hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis: charting the past and envisioning the future. Blood 2024; 144:822-833. [PMID: 38457773 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023023692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome (BHFS) represents the most severe form of α-thalassemia, arising from deletion of the duplicated α-globin genes from both alleles. The absence of α-globin leads to the formation of nonfunctional hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's (γ4) or HbH (β4) resulting in severe anemia, tissue hypoxia, and, in some cases, variable congenital or neurocognitive abnormalities. BHFS is the most common cause of hydrops fetalis in Southeast Asia; however, owing to global migration, the burden of this condition is increasing worldwide. With the availability of intensive perinatal care and intrauterine transfusions, an increasing number of patients survive with this condition. The current approach to long-term management of survivors involves regular blood transfusions and iron chelation, a task made challenging by the need for intensified transfusions to suppress the production of nonfunctional HbH-containing erythrocytes. Although our knowledge of outcomes of this condition is evolving, it seems, in comparison to individuals with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, those with BHFS may face an elevated risk of complications arising from chronic anemia and hypoxia, ongoing hemolysis, iron overload, and from their respective treatments. Although stem cell transplantation remains a viable option for a select few, it is not without potential side effects. Looking ahead, potential advancements in the form of genetic engineering and innovative therapeutic approaches, such as the reactivation of embryonic α-like globin gene expression, hold promise for furthering the treatment of this condition. Prevention remains a crucial aspect of care, particularly in areas with high prevalence or limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Amid
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Siyu Liu
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Babbs
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas R Higgs
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Marin V, Huguenin Y, Bessi L, Weinmann L, Augis V, Desclaux A, Lebreton L, Dulucq S, Boutin J. Beta-thalassemia intermedia due to a complex alpha-globin rearrangement and a heterozygous beta thalassemia mutation. Br J Haematol 2024. [PMID: 39155476 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The alpha-thalassaemia alleles are very frequent in the world's population. The main molecular mechanism is a large deletion with the loss of one or two alpha genes. Another type of rarer abnormality exists: the gain of alpha genes. The consequence of a gain is an overproduction of alpha-globin chains, which aggravates a beta-thalassaemia trait into an intermedia phenotype (non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia, NTDT). Here, we report the case of a young girl referred for a beta-NTDT with a combination never described in the literature: a heterozygous beta-thalassaemia mutation associated with a copy number gain of the alpha-globin locus and -alpha 3.7 deletion on the same allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Marin
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1312, BRIC, BoRdeaux Institute of Oncology, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
| | - Yoann Huguenin
- University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Pellegrin Hospital Group Children's Hospital, Pediatry Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lucile Bessi
- Hospital Centre Pau, Pediatry, Pau, Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou, France
| | - Laurent Weinmann
- Laboratory of Hematology, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vanessa Augis
- Laboratory of Hematology, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Arnaud Desclaux
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Louis Lebreton
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stephanie Dulucq
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1312, BRIC, BoRdeaux Institute of Oncology, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Julian Boutin
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR1312, BRIC, BoRdeaux Institute of Oncology, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
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Liao Y, Zhang F, Yang F, Huang S, Su S, Tan X, Zhong L, Deng L, Pang L. METTL16 participates in haemoglobin H disease through m6A modification. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306043. [PMID: 39088431 PMCID: PMC11293636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemoglobin H (HbH) disease is caused by a disorder of α-globin synthesis, and it results in a wide range of clinical symptoms. M6A methylation modification may be one of the mechanisms of heterogeneity. Therefore, this article explored the role of methyltransferase like 16 (METTL16) in HbH disease. METHOD The results of epigenetic transcriptome microarray were analysed and verified through bioinformatic methods and qRT-PCR, respectively. The overexpression or knock down of METTL16 in K562 cells was examined to determine its role in reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle processes or iron overload. YTH domain family protein 3 (YTHDF3) was knocked down in K562 cells and K562 cells overexpressing METTL16 via siRNA to investigate its function. In addition, haemoglobin expression was detected through benzidine staining. qRT-PCR, WB, methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and (RNA Immunoprecipitation) RIP experiments were conducted to explore the mechanism of intermolecular interaction. RESULTS METTL16, YTHDF3 and solute carrier family 5 member 3 (SLC5A3) mRNA and the methylation level of SLC5A3 mRNA were downregulated in HbH patients. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) mRNA expression was negatively correlated with HGB content among patients with HbH-CS disease. Overexpression of METTL16 increased ROS and intracellular iron contents in K562 cells, changed the K562 cell cycle, reduced hemin-induced haemoglobin synthesis, increased the expressions of SLC5A3 and HBG and increased SLC5A3 mRNA methylation levels. Knockdown of METTL16 reduced ROS and intracellular iron contents in K562 cells. Hemin treatment of K562 cells for more than 14 days reduced the protein expressions of METTL16 and SLC5A3 and SLC5A3 mRNA methylation levels. Knockdown of YTHDF3 rescued the intracellular iron content changes induced by the overexpression of METTL16. The RIP experiment revealed that SLC5A3 mRNA can be enriched by METTL16 antibody. CONCLUSION METTL16 may affect the expression of SLC5A3 by changing its m6A modification level and regulating ROS synthesis, intracellular iron and cycle of red blood cells. Moreover, METTL16 possibly affects the expression of haemoglobin through IGF2BP3, which regulates the clinical phenotype of HbH disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Liao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Seven Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (Wuzhou Gongren Hospital), Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shijin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Sha Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuemei Tan
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Linlin Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lingjie Deng
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lihong Pang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Thalassemia Research, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Thalassemia Medicine (Guangxi Medical University), Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Zhang R, He Z, Shi Y, Sun X, Chen X, Wang G, Zhang Y, Gao P, Wu Y, Lu S, Duan J, Sun S, Yang N, Fan W, Zhao K, Yang B, Xia Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Yin H. Amplification editing enables efficient and precise duplication of DNA from short sequence to megabase and chromosomal scale. Cell 2024; 187:3936-3952.e19. [PMID: 38936359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Duplication is a foundation of molecular evolution and a driver of genomic and complex diseases. Here, we develop a genome editing tool named Amplification Editing (AE) that enables programmable DNA duplication with precision at chromosomal scale. AE can duplicate human genomes ranging from 20 bp to 100 Mb, a size comparable to human chromosomes. AE exhibits activity across various cell types, encompassing diploid, haploid, and primary cells. AE exhibited up to 73.0% efficiency for 1 Mb and 3.4% for 100 Mb duplications, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing and deep sequencing of the junctions of edited sequences confirm the precision of duplication. AE can create chromosomal microduplications within disease-relevant regions in embryonic stem cells, indicating its potential for generating cellular and animal models. AE is a precise and efficient tool for chromosomal engineering and DNA duplication, broadening the landscape of precision genome editing from an individual genetic locus to the chromosomal scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiwen Zhang
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhou He
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yajing Shi
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiangkun Sun
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guoquan Wang
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shuhan Lu
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Junyi Duan
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shangwu Sun
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Na Yang
- Center for Gene Diagnosis and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Fan
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bei Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Departments of Urology and Laboratory Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Yang YN, Chou YY, Cheng CN. Luspatercept for non-deletional hemoglobin H disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e31224. [PMID: 39044307 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ning Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yin Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Neng Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Lal A, Viprakasit V, Vichinsky E, Lai Y, Lu MY, Kattamis A. Disease burden, management strategies, and unmet needs in α-thalassemia due to hemoglobin H disease. Am J Hematol 2024. [PMID: 39037279 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by impaired α-globin chain production, leading to anemia and other complications. Hemoglobin H (HbH) disease is caused by a combination of mutations generally affecting the expression of three of four α-globin alleles; disease severity is highly heterogeneous, largely driven by genotype. Notably, non-deletional mutations cause a greater degree of ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis, higher transfusion burden, and increased complication risks versus deletional mutations. There are limited treatment options for HbH disease, and effective therapies are needed. This review discusses the pathophysiology of HbH disease, current management strategies, unmet needs, and emerging treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Lal
- University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine, Pediatric Hematology, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics & Thalassemia Center, Siriraj Research Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elliott Vichinsky
- University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine, Pediatric Hematology, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Yongrong Lai
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Meng-Yao Lu
- Department of Paediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Singha K, Tepakhan W, Yamsri S, Chaibunruang A, Srivorakun H, Pansuwan A, Fucharoen G, Fucharoen S. A large cohort of Hb H disease in northeast Thailand: A molecular revisited, diverse genetic interactions and identification of a novel mutation. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 561:119830. [PMID: 38914363 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To update the molecular characteristics of α-thalassemia in northeast Thailand, the molecular basis and genetic interactions of Hb H disease were examined in a large cohort of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A study was done on 1,170 subjects with Hb H disease and various genetic interactions encountered during 2009-2023. Hb and DNA analyses were carried out. RESULTS As many as 40 genotypes with several known, previously undescribed, and novel mutations were observed. These included 698 subjects (59.8 %) of Hb H disease, 357 (30.6 %) with EABart's disease, 63 (5.4 %) with EEBart's disease, 18 (1.7 %) with abnormal Hbs, 17 (1.5 %) with β-thalassemia, and 4 (0.4 %) with EFBart's or EFABart's disease. The molecular basis of 13 subjects (1.1 %) remains unknown. The α0-thalassemia included --SEA (n = 1,139, 97.4 %) and --THAI (n = 21, 1.8 %). Two rare mutations were identified in 3 subjects (0.3 %) with --SA and --CR deletions. For α+-thalassemia, -α3.7 kb del (n = 626, 53.5 %), Hb Constant Spring (n = 415, 35.5 %), -α4.2 kb del (n = 44, 3.8 %), Hb Paksé (n = 36, 3.1 %), and Hb Q-Thailand (n = 19, 1.6 %), were detected. Ten rarer α+-thalassemia were identified, including a novel mutation, namely the Hb Chumphae (HBA2:c.32T>A). The Hb H-Lansing-Ramathibodi, Hb H-Jax, and Hb H-Chumphae are hitherto undescribed in this region. PCR-based diagnostic methods for these α-thalassemia defects were described. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the diverse heterogeneity and genetic interactions causing Hb H disease in northeast Thailand. The results should prove useful for laboratory diagnosis and genetic counseling of this genetic disorder in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritsada Singha
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - Wanicha Tepakhan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Yamsri
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Attawut Chaibunruang
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Hataichanok Srivorakun
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Anupong Pansuwan
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Goonnapa Fucharoen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Supan Fucharoen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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Jajodia E, Menghani H, Arora N, Jitani A. De-novo ATR-16 syndrome associated with inherited hemoglobin Evanston causing HbH phenotype: a rare occurrence. Ann Hematol 2024:10.1007/s00277-024-05876-9. [PMID: 38990295 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Abnormality of three α-globin genes, either deletion or point mutation results in symptomatic Hemoglobin H (HbH) phenotype. Most of such cases of α-globin defects are inherited from the parents, de-novo cases are exceedingly rare. Herein, a case of HbH is reported where the proband inherited one α-globin gene with a point mutation (αEvanston) from the mother. This was associated with large de-novo deletion of chromosome 16p13.3 resulting in α-thalassemia and mental retardation (ATR-16) syndrome. This deletion also encompassed two α-globin genes from chromosome 16, eventually leading to --/ααEvanston genotype, explaining the clinical presentation of the proband. The challenges in screening of such cases and confirming the molecular diagnosis along with the mode of inheritance has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Jajodia
- Molecular Genetics, Unipath Specialty Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Hemant Menghani
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Neeraj Arora
- Molecular Genetics, Unipath Specialty Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Ankit Jitani
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
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10
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Borg J, Loy C, Kim J, Buhagiar A, Chin C, Damle N, De Vlaminck I, Felice A, Liu T, Matei I, Meydan C, Muratani M, Mzava O, Overbey E, Ryon KA, Smith SM, Tierney BT, Trudel G, Zwart SR, Beheshti A, Mason CE, Borg J. Spatiotemporal expression and control of haemoglobin in space. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4927. [PMID: 38862545 PMCID: PMC11166948 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49289-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
It is now widely recognised that the environment in space activates a diverse set of genes involved in regulating fundamental cellular pathways. This includes the activation of genes associated with blood homoeostasis and erythropoiesis, with a particular emphasis on those involved in globin chain production. Haemoglobin biology provides an intriguing model for studying space omics, as it has been extensively explored at multiple -omic levels, spanning DNA, RNA, and protein analyses, in both experimental and clinical contexts. In this study, we examined the developmental expression of haemoglobin over time and space using a unique suite of multi-omic datasets available on NASA GeneLab, from the NASA Twins Study, the JAXA CFE study, and the Inspiration4 mission. Our findings reveal significant variations in globin gene expression corresponding to the distinct spatiotemporal characteristics of the collected samples. This study sheds light on the dynamic nature of globin gene regulation in response to the space environment and provides valuable insights into the broader implications of space omics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Borg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, MSD2080, Malta
| | - Conor Loy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alfred Buhagiar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, MSD2080, Malta
| | - Christopher Chin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namita Damle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex Felice
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, MSD2080, Malta
| | - Tammy Liu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irina Matei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cem Meydan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Department of Genome Biology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Omary Mzava
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Eliah Overbey
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista A Ryon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Braden T Tierney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guy Trudel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara R Zwart
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Joseph Borg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, MSD2080, Malta.
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11
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Lachover-Roth I, Peretz S, Zoabi H, Harel E, Livshits L, Filon D, Levin C, Koren A. Support Vector Machine-Based Formula for Detecting Suspected α Thalassemia Carriers: A Path toward Universal Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6446. [PMID: 38928152 PMCID: PMC11203927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood counts of α thalassemia carriers (α-thal) are similar to those of β thalassemia carriers, except for Hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2), which is not elevated. The objective of this study was to determine whether mathematical formulas are effective for detecting suspected α-thal. The data were obtained from the database of the prevention program for detecting couples at risk for having a child with hemoglobinopathy. Red Blood Cells (RBC) indices were analyzed using mathematical formulas, and the sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Among 1334 blood counts suspected of α-thal analyzed, only the Shine and Lal and the Support Vector Machine formulas revealed high sensitivity and NPV. Sensitivity was 85.54 and 99.33%, and NPV was 98.93 and 99.93%, respectively. Molecular defects were found in 291, and 81 had normal α genes. Molecular analysis was not performed in 962 of the samples. Based on these results, mathematical formulas incorporating one of these reliable formulas for detecting suspected α or β thalassemia carriers in the program of the automatic analyzers can flag these results, increase the awareness of the primary physicians about the carrier risk, and send an alert with a recommendation for further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idit Lachover-Roth
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428163, Israel;
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Sari Peretz
- Hematology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (S.P.); (H.Z.); (E.H.)
| | - Hiba Zoabi
- Hematology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (S.P.); (H.Z.); (E.H.)
| | - Eitam Harel
- Hematology Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel; (S.P.); (H.Z.); (E.H.)
| | - Leonid Livshits
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
- The Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dvora Filon
- Hematology Division, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Carina Levin
- Pediatric Hematology Unit, Research Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel;
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525422, Israel
| | - Ariel Koren
- Pediatric Hematology Unit, Research Laboratory, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel;
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12
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Yee MEM, Covington ML, Zerra PE, McCoy JW, Easley KA, Joiner CH, Bryksin J, Francis RO, Lough CM, Patel N, Kutlar A, Josephson CD, Roback JD, Stowell SR, Fasano RM. Survival of transfused red blood cells from a donor with alpha-thalassemia trait in a recipient with sickle cell disease. Transfusion 2024; 64:1109-1115. [PMID: 38693059 PMCID: PMC11144116 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-transfusion survival of donor red blood cells (RBCs) is important for effective chronic transfusion therapy in conditions including sickle cell disease (SCD). Biotin labeling RBCs allows direct in vivo measurement of multiple donor RBC units simultaneously post-transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In an observational trial of patients with SCD receiving monthly chronic transfusion therapy, aliquots of RBCs from one transfusion episode were biotin-labeled and infused along with the unlabeled RBC units. Serial blood samples were obtained to measure RBC survival. Donor units were tested for RBC indices, hemoglobin fractionation, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity. For microcytic donor RBCs (MCV < 70 fL), HBA1 and HBA2 genetic testing was performed on whole blood. RESULTS We present one recipient, a pediatric patient with SCD and splenectomy who received two RBC units with aliquots from each unit labeled at distinct biotin densities (2 and 18 μg/mL biotin). One donor unit was identified to have microcytosis (MCV 68.5 fL after biotinylation); whole blood sample obtained at a subsequent donation showed 2-gene deletion alpha-thalassemia trait (ɑ-3.7kb/ɑ-3.7kb) and normal serum ferritin. G6PD activity was >60% of normal mean for both. The RBCs with alpha-thalassemia RBC had accelerated clearance and increased surface phosphatidylserine post-transfusion, as compared with the normocytic RBC (half life 65 vs. 86 days, respectively). DISCUSSION Post-transfusion RBC survival may be lower for units from donors with alpha-thalassemia trait, although the impact of thalassemia trait donors on transfusion efficacy requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E M Yee
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mischa L Covington
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia E Zerra
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James W McCoy
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kirk A Easley
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Clinton H Joiner
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Janetta Bryksin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard O Francis
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Niren Patel
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Abdullah Kutlar
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cassandra D Josephson
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John D Roback
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sean R Stowell
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ross M Fasano
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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13
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Musallam KM, Viprakasit V, Lombard L, Gilroy K, Rane A, Vinals L, Tam C, Rizzo M, Coates TD. Systematic review and evidence gap assessment of the clinical, quality of life, and economic burden of alpha-thalassemia. EJHAEM 2024; 5:541-547. [PMID: 38895066 PMCID: PMC11182398 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
A recent evidence gaps assessment of the clinical, health-related quality of life, and economic burden associated with α-thalassemia is lacking. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) following the methodological and reporting requirements of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews, using available literature over the past decade. This SLR identified a considerable evidence gap with regard to understanding the current burden of α-thalassemia as evident from paucity of studies published in the past 10 years. The limited data available still indicate that patients with α-thalassemia experience substantial morbidity and quality of life/economic burden that is generally comparable to patients with β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M. Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR‐RBD), Burjeel Medical CityAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics & Thalassemia CenterFaculty of MedicineSiriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | | | | | - Amey Rane
- Agios PharmaceuticalsCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | | | - Thomas D. Coates
- Cancer and Blood Disease InstituteChildren's Hospital Los Angeles and USC Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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14
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Zhou C, Du Y, Zhang H, Wei X, Li R, Wang J. Third-generation sequencing identified a novel complex variant in a patient with rare alpha-thalassemia. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:330. [PMID: 38741052 PMCID: PMC11089783 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemias represent some of the most common monogenic diseases worldwide and are caused by variations in human hemoglobin genes which disrupt the balance of synthesis between the alpha and beta globin chains. Thalassemia gene detection technology is the gold standard to achieve accurate detection of thalassemia, but in clinical practice, most of the tests are only for common genotypes, which can easily lead to missing or misdiagnosis of rare thalassemia genotypes. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of an 18-year-old Chinese female with abnormal values of routine hematological indices who was admitted for genetic screening for thalassemia. Genomic DNA was extracted and used for the genetic assays. Gap polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis were performed to detect HBA gene deletions, while PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization was used to detect point mutations in the HBA and HBB genes. Next-generation sequencing and third-generation sequencing (TGS) were used to identify known and potentially novel genotypes of thalassemia. We identified a novel complex variant αHb WestmeadαHb Westmeadαanti3.7/-α3.7 in a patient with rare alpha-thalassemia. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a novel complex variant that expands the thalassemia gene variants spectrum. Meanwhile, the study suggests that TGS could effectively improve the specificity of thalassemia gene detection, and has promising potential for the discovery of novel thalassemia genotypes, which could also improve the accuracy of genetic counseling. Couples who are thalassemia carriers have the opportunity to reduce their risk of having a child with thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yepei Du
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Xing Wei
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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15
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Chu SN, Soupene E, Wienert B, Yin H, Sharma D, McCreary T, Jia K, Homma S, Hampton JP, Gardner JM, Conklin BR, MacKenzie TC, Porteus MH, Cromer MK. Dual α-globin and truncated EPO receptor knockin restores hemoglobin production in α-thalassemia-derived red blood cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.01.555926. [PMID: 38766216 PMCID: PMC11100611 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.01.555926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disease with increasing worldwide prevalence. The molecular basis is due to mutation or deletion of one or more duplicated α-globin genes, and disease severity is directly related to the number of allelic copies compromised. The most severe form, α-thalassemia major (αTM), results from loss of all four copies of α-globin and has historically resulted in fatality in utero. However, in utero transfusions now enable survival to birth. Postnatally, patients face challenges similar to β-thalassemia, including severe anemia and erythrotoxicity due to imbalance of β-globin and α-globin chains. While curative, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is limited by donor availability and potential transplant-related complications. Despite progress in genome editing treatments for β-thalassemia, there is no analogous curative option for patients suffering from α-thalassemia. To address this, we designed a novel Cas9/AAV6-mediated genome editing strategy that integrates a functional α-globin gene into the β-globin locus in αTM patient-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Incorporation of a truncated erythropoietin receptor transgene into the α-globin integration cassette dramatically increased erythropoietic output from edited HSPCs and led to the most robust production of α-globin, and consequently normal hemoglobin. By directing edited HSPCs toward increased production of clinically relevant RBCs instead of other divergent cell types, this approach has the potential to mitigate the limitations of traditional HSCT for the hemoglobinopathies, including low genome editing and low engraftment rates. These findings support development of a definitive ex vivo autologous genome editing strategy that may be curative for α-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N. Chu
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Eric Soupene
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, CA
| | | | - Han Yin
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Devesh Sharma
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Travis McCreary
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kun Jia
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Shota Homma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | | | - James M. Gardner
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Bruce R. Conklin
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Tippi C. MacKenzie
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - M. Kyle Cromer
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco,San Francisco, CA
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16
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Tang H, Yu R, Yu Z, Xi H. Comparison of screening indicators for different types of thalassemia carriers in Hunan Province. J Med Biochem 2024; 43:281-289. [PMID: 38699698 PMCID: PMC11062331 DOI: 10.5937/jomb0-46085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Carrier screening is the most effective method to block the occurrence of thalassemia. However, due to differences in race and genotype, MCV, MCH, HbA2 and other indicators are far from each other. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the common screening indicators of a, b and ab-compound thalassemia carriers in Hunan Province, and try to use the relevant formulas in the existing literature to predict and distinguish different types of thalassemia carriers. Methods Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) combined with Youden index was utilized to analyze results of blood routine examination, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and literature-related formulas for 1111 a-thalassemia carriers, 464 b-thalassemia carriers and 24 ab-thalassemia carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Tang
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Genetic, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rong Yu
- University of South China, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, Department of Laboratory, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ziyin Yu
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Genetic, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hui Xi
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Genetic, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
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17
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Pan L, Wang Y, Lin H, Zhang X, Zhang R. A Novel Frameshift Mutation( HBA2:C.337delC) Associated With α-Thalassemia Trait Detected by Next-Generation Sequencing in Southern China. Hemoglobin 2024:1-3. [PMID: 38653553 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2024.2344786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Here, we report a novel frameshift mutation caused by a single base deletion in exon 3 of the HBA2 gene (HBA2:c.337delC) detected by next-generation sequencing. The proband was a 26-year-old Chinese pregnant woman who originates from Hunan Province. Her mean corpuscular volume(MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) had a mild decrease. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) showed that both Hb A (97.8%) and Hb F (0.0%) values were within normal range, while the Hb A2 (2.2%) value was below normal. Sequence analysis of the α and β-globin genes revealed a novel single base deletion at codon 112 (HBA2:c.337delC) in the heterozygous state, which resulted in a mild phenotype of α-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haiying Lin
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiufa Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Qiao Y, Di J, Yin L, Huang A, Zhao W, Hu H, Chen S. Prevalence and influencing factors of anemia among pregnant women across first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy in monitoring areas, from 2016 to 2020: a population-based multi-center cohort study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1100. [PMID: 38649895 PMCID: PMC11034068 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across their entire pregnancy and the factors affecting it in the monitoring areas. METHODS A total of 108,351 pregnant women who received antenatal health care and delivered from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 in 15 monitoring counties of 8 provinces in the Maternal and Newborn Health Monitoring Program (MNHMP) of National Center for Women and Children's Health (NCWCH) were selected as the study subjects. The anemia status among the subjects across their first, second and third trimester of pregnancy and the influencing factors were analyzed. RESULTS From 2016 to 2020, the prevalence of anemia at any stage during pregnancy in the monitoring areas was 43.59%. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across all three trimesters was 3.95%, and the prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe anemia was 1.04% and 2.90%, respectively. Protective factors were living in the northern area (OR = 0.395) and being a member of an ethnic minority (OR = 0.632). The risk factors were residing in rural areas (OR = 1.207), with no more than junior high school education (OR = 1.203), having ≥ 3 gravidities (OR = 1.195) and multiple fetuses (OR = 1.478). CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across all trimesters in the monitoring area was low, the severity of anemia was high. Since the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across their entire pregnancy in the monitoring area is affected by many different factors, more attention should be paid to pregnant women living in rural areas, with low literacy, ≥ 3 gravidities and multiple fetuses for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Qiao
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12, Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangli Di
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12, Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lina Yin
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12, Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiqun Huang
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12, Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhao
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12, Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanqing Hu
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12, Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Sidi Chen
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.12, Dahuisi Road, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
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19
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Du Y, Zhou C, Wang J, Yang Y, Liu H. Screening for thalassemia carriers among the Han population of childbearing age in Southwestern of China. Front Genet 2024; 15:1356068. [PMID: 38660679 PMCID: PMC11039874 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1356068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Thalassemia is a severe hereditary blood disorder that poses a significant threat to human health and leads to mortality and disability. It is one of the most prevalent monogenic diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the molecular epidemiological data of individuals of childbearing age from the Han ethnic group with thalassemia in Southwest China and to explore the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in screening thalassemia carriers. Methods The participants were Han males and females of childbearing age who sought medical advice at the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University from June 2022 to June 2023. We detected α- and β-thalassemia mutations using full-length capture of the thalassemia genes and NGS technology. Results In a cohort of 1,093 participants, 130 thalassemia carriers were identified, with an overall detection rate of 11.89% (130/1,093). Among these, 0.91% (10/1,093) had mutations that could not be detected using traditional PCR techniques. The proportions of carriers with α-, β-, and α-complexed β-thalassemia gene mutations were 7.68% (84/1,093), 3.93% (43/1,093), and 0.27% (3/1,093), respectively. We identified a novel HBA2 c.166del variant that has not been previously reported. Conclusion Using NGS technology, we found that the mutation-carrying rate of thalassemia genes was 11.89% in the Han population of childbearing age in Southwest China. Compared with the results of traditional PCR techniques, NGS detected an additional 0.91% (10/1,093) rare genetic variants. NGS technology should be utilized as the primary screening method for thalassemia carriers among Han nationality people of childbearing age in Southwest China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yepei Du
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanting Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
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Wu LS, Luo X, Tan M, Zhang LJ, Luo HF, Huang G, Huang P, Chen J, Chen Y. Prevalence of thalassemia-carrier couples and fertility risk assessment. Int J Hematol 2024; 119:374-382. [PMID: 38411864 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03722-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Thalassemia is a highly prevalent hematologic disease in Guizhou, China. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological characteristics of thalassemia in couples at childbearing age and assess the neonatal risk of thalassemia in this subpopulation. A cohort of 4481 couples at childbearing age were recruited for thalassemia carrier screening by both traditional hematological tests and next-generation sequencing. Of them, 1314 (14.66%) thalassemia carriers were identified, including 857 (9.76%) α-thalassemia, 391 (4.36%) β-thalassemia, and 48 (0.54%) composite α and β-thalassemia. A total of 12 α-globin gene alterations and 16 β-globin mutations were detected, including four novel thalassemia mutations. SEA was the most common α-thalassemia genotype (26.86%), CD41-42 the most common β-thalassemia genotype (36.57%), and αα/- α3.7 + CD41-42 the most common composite α- and β-thalassemia genotype (18.75%). Ethnically, the Zhuang had the highest rate of thalassemia gene carriers among the ethnic groups. Geographically, Qiannan had the highest rate of thalassemia gene carriers. In addition, 38 of the 48 couples with composite α- and β-thalassemia were high-risk thalassemia carriers, and 4 carrying the -SEA/αα gene needed fertility guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Song Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Rd., Zunyi, 56300, Guizhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Rd., Zunyi, 56300, Guizhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Mei Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Rd., Zunyi, 56300, Guizhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Qian-Nan-Zhou People's Hospital of Guizhou, Guizhou, China
| | - Hong-Fang Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ge Huang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Qian-Dong-Nan People's Hospital of Guizhou, Guizhou, China
| | - Pei Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Rd., Zunyi, 56300, Guizhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jindong Chen
- Exploring Health, LLC., 3 Lanyue Rd., Huangpu District, Guangzhou, 510663, China.
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Rd., Zunyi, 56300, Guizhou, China.
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Coates TD, Kuo KHM, Al-Samkari H, Sheth S, Viprakasit V, Taher AT. Αlpha-thalassemia: A practical overview. Blood Rev 2024; 64:101165. [PMID: 38182489 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
α-Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by decreased synthesis of α-globin chains that results in an imbalance of α and β globin and thus varying degrees of ineffective erythropoiesis, decreased red blood cell (RBC) survival, chronic hemolytic anemia, and subsequent comorbidities. Clinical presentation varies depending on the genotype, ranging from a silent or mild carrier state to severe, transfusion-dependent or lethal disease. Management of patients with α-thalassemia is primarily supportive, addressing either symptoms (eg, RBC transfusions for anemia), complications of the disease, or its transfusion-dependence (eg, chelation therapy for iron overload). Several novel therapies are also in development, including curative gene manipulation techniques and disease modifying agents that target ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic hemolytic anemia. This review of α-thalassemia and its various manifestations provides practical information for clinicians who practice beyond those regions where it is found with high frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas D Coates
- Hematology Section, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hanny Al-Samkari
- Center for Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics & Thalassemia Center, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Li Y, Jin J, Tuo Y, Huang P, Huang J, Yang H, He Z. Molecular Characterization of α- and β-Thalassemia Among Children Less Than 18 Years Old in Guizhou, China. J Clin Lab Anal 2024; 38:e25022. [PMID: 38506255 PMCID: PMC10997815 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.25022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemia is an inherited hemolytic disease, the complications and sequelae of which have posed a huge impact on both patients and society. But limited studies have investigated the molecular characterization of α- and β-thalassemia in children from Guizhou, China. METHODS Between January 2019 and December 2022, a total of 3301 children, aged 6 months to 18 years, suspected of having thalassemia underwent molecular analysis. RESULTS Out of the total sample, 824 (25%) children were found to carry thalassemia mutations. The carrier rates of α-thalassemia, β-thalassemia, and α + β-thalassemia were determined as 8.1%, 15.6%, and 1.3%, respectively. Approximately 96.5% of the α-thalassemia gene mutations were --SEA (51%), ααCS (20.9%), -α3.7 (19.6%), and -α4.2 (5.0%). The most prevalent mutations of β-thalassemia were βCD17(A>T) (41.5%), βCD41-42(-TTCT) (37.7%), and βIVS-II-654(C>T) (11.3%). Additionally, we identified rare cases, including one case with ααHb Nunobiki/αα, two cases with triplicated α-thalassemia (one case with ααα/ααα and βCD41-42/βN and the other with ααα-3.7/αα and βE CD26/βN), and also one case with α Q-Thailandα/-α4.2 and βCD41-42/βN. CONCLUSIONS Our study findings provide important insights into the heterogeneity of thalassemia carrier rates and molecular profiles among children in the Guizhou region. The findings support the development of prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of severe thalassemia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
- Department of Pediatric HematologyAffiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Jiao Jin
- Department of Pediatric HematologyAffiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Yuanyuan Tuo
- Department of Pediatric HematologyAffiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Pei Huang
- Department of PediatricAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Pediatric HematologyAffiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Honglan Yang
- Department of Pediatric HematologyAffiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Zhixu He
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical MedicineGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
- Department of PediatricAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiChina
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23
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Liu Y, Zhuang Y, Chen J, Zhong Z, Fang J, Li X, Xiao B, Li P, Lin B, Tao Z, Liang Y, Lin P, Wang X, Song M, Luo H, Qin L, Huang L, Tan J, Li H, Zhong T, Yu L, Liu Z, Tang D, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Ye Y, Xu X. Quantitative evaluation of the clinical severity of hemoglobin H disease in a cohort of 591 patients using a scoring system based on regression analysis. Haematologica 2024; 109:632-638. [PMID: 37646667 PMCID: PMC10828758 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Liu
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhong Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Huizhou First Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zeyan Zhong
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Huizhou First Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianpei Fang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology, Children’s Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology, Children’s Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Department of Hematology, 923rd Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Department of Hematology, 923rd Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Bin Lin
- Guangzhou Huayin Healthcare Group Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Jiexu Gene Technology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhong Tao
- Guangzhou Huayin Healthcare Group Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Jiexu Gene Technology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yidan Liang
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Lin
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingmin Wang
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengyang Song
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hualei Luo
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lang Qin
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Huang
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jufang Tan
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Hailiang Li
- Department of Laboratory Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tianyu Zhong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian, China
| | - Zhixiang Liu
- Department of Medical Dispute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Heyuan China Heyuan, Guangdong, China
| | - Deguo Tang
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Yongzhou City, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhong Zhao
- Biologics, Gene and Cell Therapy, Frontage Laboratories, Exton, PA, USA
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Hematology, 923rd Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuhua Ye
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Klaihmon P, Pattanapanyasat K, Phannasil P. An update on recent studies of extracellular vesicles and their role in hypercoagulability in thalassemia (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:31. [PMID: 38259586 PMCID: PMC10801351 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Thromboembolic events are a significant clinical concern in thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies, highlighting the need for new strategies to treat and detect these specific hematologic complications. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered interest due to their role in cell-to-cell communication, including angiogenesis, immune responses and coagulation activation. Their multifaceted role depends on the cellular origin and cargo, making them potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. The present review highlights recent advances in understanding the involvement of EVs in hypercoagulability in thalassemia, the characterization of circulating EVs and the potential for using EVs as predictive biomarkers. β-Thalassemia intermedia exhibits a high incidence of thromboembolic events, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Advanced technologies have enabled the profiling and characterization of circulating EVs in patients with β-thalassemia through various techniques, including flow cytometry, proteomic studies, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot analysis. Microparticles from splenectomized β-thalassemia/hemoglobin E patients induce platelet activation and aggregation, potentially contributing to thrombus formation. The abundance of these microparticles, primarily released from platelets and damaged red cells, may have a role in thromboembolic events and other clinical complications in thalassemia. This suggests a promising future for EVs as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers in thalassemia management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phatchanat Klaihmon
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Kovit Pattanapanyasat
- Center of Excellence for Microparticle and Exosome in Diseases, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Phatchariya Phannasil
- Thalassemia Research Center, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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25
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Huang P, Lan Y, Zhou H, Lin L, Shu J, Wang C, Zhao X, Liang L, He S, Mou J, Zhang X, Qiu Q, Wei H. Comprehensive application of multiple molecular diagnostic techniques in pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2293. [PMID: 37828787 PMCID: PMC10767435 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-implantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) is an effective approach to reducing the incidence of birth defects by preventing the transmission of inherited diseases to offspring. However, there are still controversies regarding the detection methods and transplantation of embryos. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different detection technologies applied to PGT-M through a retrospective analysis of clinical detection data. METHODS The carrier status of pathogenic mutations and chromosomal copy number variants (CNVs) in 892 embryos was characterized using next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, and PCR-based detection technologies. Clinical data from PGT-M cases were retrospectively analyzed to assess the effectiveness of these detection methods in identifying genetic abnormalities in embryos. RESULTS A total of 829 embryos were analyzed, with 63 being unsuccessful. Our study revealed that the success rate of detecting deletional mutations using Gap-PCR 84.9%, which is lower than that of SNP array (98.7%) and NGS (92.5%). However, no significant difference was observed when detecting point mutations using any of the methods. These findings suggest that, when detecting deletional mutations, SNP array and NGS are more suitable choices compared to Gap-PCR. While SNP array may have a lower resolution and success rate (80.5%) in analyzing CNVs compared to NGS (95.5%), it may still be useful for revealing certain abnormal types. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study found that SNP analysis is advantageous for identifying polygenic and deletional mutations, whereas NGS is more cost-efficient for detecting common monogenic diseases. Additionally, SNP-based haplotyping and PCR-based direct detection of mutations can be used together to enhance the accuracy and success rates of PGT-M. Our findings offer valuable insights for PGT technicians in choosing suitable detection methods for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- PGD LaboratoryMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Yueyun Lan
- PGD LaboratoryMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Hong Zhou
- Reproductive CenterMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Luye Lin
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Jinhui Shu
- Reproductive CenterMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Caizhu Wang
- Reproductive CenterMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Xin Zhao
- Reproductive CenterMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Lifang Liang
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Sheng He
- PGD LaboratoryMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Jingfei Mou
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Qingming Qiu
- PGD LaboratoryMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
| | - Hongwei Wei
- PGD LaboratoryMaternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Institute of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionNanningChina
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Ruhl AP, Jackson JM, Carhuas CJ, Niño de Rivera JG, Fay MP, Weinberg JB, Que LG, Ackerman HC. Association of alpha globin gene copy number with exhaled nitric oxide in a cross-sectional study of healthy Black adults. BMJ Open Respir Res 2023; 10:e001714. [PMID: 38123476 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The genetic determinants of fractional exhalation of nitric oxide (FeNO), a marker of lung inflammation, are understudied in Black individuals. Alpha globin (HBA) restricts nitric oxide signalling in arterial endothelial cells via interactions with nitric oxide synthase; however, its role in regulating the release of NO from respiratory epithelium is less well understood. We hypothesised that an HBA gene deletion, common among Black individuals, would be associated with higher FeNO. METHODS Healthy Black adults were enrolled at four study sites in North Carolina from 2005 to 2008. FeNO was measured in triplicate using a nitric oxide analyzer. The -3.7 kb HBA gene deletion was genotyped using droplet digital PCR on genomic DNA. The association of FeNO with HBA copy number was evaluated using multivariable linear regression employing a linear effect of HBA copy number and adjusting for age, sex and serum immunoglobulin-E levels. Post-hoc analysis employing a recessive mode of inheritance was performed. RESULTS 895 individuals were in enrolled in the study and 720 consented for future genetic research; 643 had complete data and were included in this analysis. Median (25th, 75th) FeNO was 20 (13, 31) ppb. HBA genotypes were: 30 (4.7%) -a/-a, 197 (30.6%) -a/aa, 405 (63%) aa/aa and 8 (1.2%) aa/aaa. Subjects were 35% male with median age 20 (19, 22) years. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed no association between FeNO and HBA copy number (β=-0.005 (95% CI -0.042 to 0.033), p=0.81). In the post-hoc sensitivity analysis, homozygosity for the HBA gene deletion was associated with higher FeNO (β=0.107 (95% CI 0.003 to 0.212); p=0.045). CONCLUSION We found no association between HBA copy number and FeNO using a prespecified additive genetic model. However, a post hoc recessive genetic model found FeNO to be higher among subjects homozygous for the HBA deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Parker Ruhl
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jarrett M Jackson
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carlos J Carhuas
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica G Niño de Rivera
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael P Fay
- Biostatistics Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - J Brice Weinberg
- Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology, Duke University School of Medicine and Durham VA Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Loretta G Que
- Department of Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine and Durham VA Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hans C Ackerman
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Xu L, Chen M, Zheng J, Zhang S, Zhang M, Chen L, He Q, Guo D, Lin N, Huang H. Identification of a novel 91.5 kb-deletion (αα) FJ in the α-globin gene cluster using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2254890. [PMID: 37673790 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2254890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present a novel 91.5-kb deletion of the α-globin gene cluster (αα)FJ identified by genetic assay and prenatal diagnosis in a Chinese family. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The proband was a 34-year-old G3P1 (Gravida 3, Para 1) female at the gestational age of 21+ weeks with a history of an edematous fetus. A routine genetic assay (reverse dot blot hybridization, RDB) was performed to detect common thalassemia mutations. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and single-molecule real-time technology (SMRT) were used to detect rare thalassemia mutations. RESULTS The hematological phenotypes of the proband, her mother, elder sister, husband, daughter, and nephew were consistent with the phenotype of α-thalassemia trait. No mutations were found in these family members by RDB, except for the proband's husband who carried an α-globin gene deletion --SEA/αα. MLPA results showed that the proband and other α-thalassemia-suspected relatives had heterozygous deletions around the POLR3K-3-463nt, HS40-178nt, and HBA-HS40-382nt probes. The 5'-breakpoint was out of probe scope and could not be determined. SMRT was performed and a 91.5-kb deletion (NC_000016.10: g.39268_130758del) in the α-globin gene cluster (αα)FJ was identified in the proband and other suspected relatives, which could explain their phenotypes. At the proband's gestational age of 22+ weeks, an amniotic fluid sample was collected and analyzed. As only the 91.5-kb deletion (αα)FJ was identified in the fetus with RDB, MLPA, and SMRT. The proband was suggested to continue the pregnancy. CONCLUSION We first reported a 91.5-kb deletion (NC_000016.10: g.hg38-chr16:39268-_130758del) of the HS-40 region in the α-globin gene cluster (αα)FJ identified in a Chinese family. Since the HS-40 loss of heterozygosity in combination with the heterozygous deletion --SEA might result in Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis, routine genetic assay, and SMRT were recommended to individuals at risk for prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meihuan Chen
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junhao Zheng
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
- Medical Technology and Engineering College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Siwen Zhang
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
- Medical Technology and Engineering College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingji Chen
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qianqian He
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Danhua Guo
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Na Lin
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hailong Huang
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
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Hsu LA, Wu S, Teng MS, Ko YL. Causal links of α-thalassemia indices and cardiometabolic traits and diabetes: MR study. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302204. [PMID: 37788909 PMCID: PMC10547910 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study aimed to investigate if genetic variants around 16p13.3's HBA1 locus, associated with erythrocyte indices and HbA1c levels, predict α-thalassemia-related erythrocyte indices, cardiometabolic traits, and diabetes risk in Taiwanese individuals. We analyzed Taiwan Biobank data, including whole-genome sequencing from 1,493 participants and genotyping arrays from 129,542 individuals. First, we performed regional association analysis using whole-genome sequencing data to identify genetic variants significantly associated with erythrocyte indices, confirming their linkage disequilibrium with the α0 thalassemia --SEA deletion mutation, a common cause of α-thalassemia in Southeast Asian populations. Deletion mutation sequencing further validated these variants' association with α-thalassemia. Subsequently, we analyzed genotyping array data, revealing associations between specific genetic variants and cardiometabolic traits, including lipid profiles, HbA1c levels, bilirubin levels, and diabetes risk. Using Mendelian randomization, we established causal relationships between α-thalassemia-related erythrocyte indices and cardiometabolic traits, elucidating their role in diabetes susceptibility. Our findings highlight genetic variants around the α-globin genes as surrogate markers for common α-thalassemia mutations in Taiwan, emphasizing the causal links between α-thalassemia-related erythrocyte indices, cardiometabolic traits, and heightened diabetes risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-An Hsu
- The First Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Semon Wu
- Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Sheng Teng
- https://ror.org/00q017g63 Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Ko
- https://ror.org/00q017g63 Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- https://ror.org/00q017g63 The Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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29
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Hansen NF, Wang X, Tegegn MB, Liu Z, Gouveia MH, Hill G, Lin JC, Okulosubo T, Shriner D, Thein SL, Mullikin JC. Random forest classifiers trained on simulated data enable accurate short read-based genotyping of structural variants in the alpha globin region at Chr16p13.3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.27.568683. [PMID: 38076833 PMCID: PMC10705532 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.27.568683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
In regions where reads don't align well to a reference, it is generally difficult to characterize structural variation using short read sequencing. Here, we utilize machine learning classifiers and short sequence reads to genotype structural variants in the alpha globin locus on chromosome 16, a medically-relevant region that is challenging to genotype in individuals. Using models trained only with simulated data, we accurately genotype two hard-to-distinguish deletions in two separate human cohorts. Furthermore, population allele frequencies produced by our methods across a wide set of ancestries agree more closely with previously-determined frequencies than those obtained using currently available genotyping software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy F. Hansen
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xunde Wang
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mickias B. Tegegn
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zhi Liu
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mateus H. Gouveia
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gracelyn Hill
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lin
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Temiloluwa Okulosubo
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel Shriner
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Swee Lay Thein
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James C. Mullikin
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Yasin NM, Abdul Hamid FS, Hassan S, Mat Yusoff Y, Mohd Sahid EN, Esa E. Characterization of New Alpha Zero (α 0) Thalassaemia Deletion (-- GB) among Malays in Malaysian Population. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3286. [PMID: 37892108 PMCID: PMC10606806 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaysia is a multicultural and multiethnic country comprising numerous ethnic groups. From the total population of 32.7 million, Malays form the bulk of the Bumiputera in Malaysia comprise about 69.9%, followed by Chinese 22.8%, Indian 6.6%, and others 0.7%. The heterogeneous population and increasing numbers of non-citizens in this country affects the heterogeneity of genetic diseases, diversity, and heterogeneity of thalassaemia mutations. Alpha (α)-thalassaemia is an inherited haemoglobin disorder characterized by hypochromic microcytic anaemia caused by a quantitative reduction in the α-globin chain. A majority of the α-thalassaemia are caused by deletions in the α-globin gene cluster. Among Malays, the most common deletional alpha thalassaemia is -α3.7 deletion followed by --SEA deletion. We described the molecular characterization of a new --GB deletion in our population, involving both alpha genes in cis. Interestingly, we found that this mutation is unique among Malay ethnicities. It is important to diagnose this deletion because of the 25% risk of Hb Bart's with hydrops fetalis in the offspring when in combination with another α0- thalassaemia allele. MLPA is a suitable method to detect unknown and uncommon deletions and to characterize those cases which remain unresolved after a standard diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norafiza Mohd Yasin
- Haematology Unit, Cancer Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia (S.H.); (Y.M.Y.); (E.E.)
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31
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Marchesani S, Di Mauro M, Ceglie G, Grassia G, Carletti M, Cristofaro RC, Cossutta M, Curcio C, Palumbo G. The blood count as a compass to navigate in the ever-changing landscape of the carrier state of hemoglobinopathies: a single-center Italian experience. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1228443. [PMID: 37868262 PMCID: PMC10587575 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1228443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Approximately 7% of the worldwide population exhibits variations in the globin genes. The recent migration of populations from countries where hemoglobin disorders are endemic has resulted in important epidemiological changes with the diffusion of newly discovered or poorly characterized genetic variants and new combinations and very heterogeneous clinical phenotypes. The aim of our study is to assess the parameters that are more significant in predicting a positive genetic testing outcome for hemoglobinopathies in a pediatric population of patients presenting with anemia or microcythemia, without a definite diagnosis. Methods and materials This study included patients evaluated in our hematological outpatient clinic for anemia and/or microcythemia despite normal ferritin levels. A screening of pathological hemoglobins using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed for the entire population of the study. Subsequently, patients with hemoglobin (Hb) S trait and patients with an HPLC profile compatible with beta thalassemia trait were excluded from the study. Genetic screening tests for hemoglobinopathies were performed on the remaining patients, which involved measuring the red blood cell (RBC) counts, red blood cells distribution width (RDW), reticulocyte count, and mean corpuscular volume of reticulocytes (MCVr). Results This study evaluated a total of 65 patients, consisting of nine patients with negative genetic analysis results and 56 patients with positive genetic analysis results. The Hb and RDW values in these two groups did not demonstrate statistical significance. On the other hand, there were statistically significant differences observed in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), RBC count, reticulocyte count, and MCVr between the two groups. Furthermore, in the group of patients with positive genetic test results, specific genetic findings associated with different HPLC results were observed. In particular, 13 patients with positive genetic test results had normal HPLC findings. Discussion This study has demonstrated that HPLC, while serving as a valuable first-level test, has some limitations. Specifically, it has been observed that some patients may exhibit a negative HPLC result despite a positive genetic analysis. In addition to the presence of low levels of Hb and HPLC alterations, other parameters could potentially indicate the underlying mutations in the globin genes. Therefore, we propose that the complete blood cell count be utilized as a widely available parameter for conducting targeted genetic analyses to avoid the risk of overlooking rare hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Marchesani
- University Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Di Mauro
- University Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ceglie
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Grassia
- University Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Michaela Carletti
- Clinical Laboratory Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Matilde Cossutta
- University Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Curcio
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palumbo
- University Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Fritch Lilla S, Goldstein A, Hart N, Hooke C. Red cell transfusions in children with thalassemia: Outcomes of a10 mL/kg/h infusion rate. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30607. [PMID: 37534911 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia have an impaired ability to synthesize alpha or beta globin, which results in anemia. Packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions are required to increase hemoglobin, which supports appropriate growth and development. PRBC transfusions must be completed within 4 h; however, infusion rates vary across institutions. Our institution infuses PRBCs up to 10 mL/kg/h. A descriptive study of 21 children who received a total of 276 transfusions during 2021 demonstrated that this rate is safe and well tolerated. Shorter transfusion times support patients' and families' time, resources, and quality of life and aptly utilize institutional resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Goldstein
- Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nicole Hart
- Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Casey Hooke
- Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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33
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Musallam KM, Lombard L, Kistler KD, Arregui M, Gilroy KS, Chamberlain C, Zagadailov E, Ruiz K, Taher AT. Epidemiology of clinically significant forms of alpha- and beta-thalassemia: A global map of evidence and gaps. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:1436-1451. [PMID: 37357829 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
This systematic literature review assessed the global prevalence and birth prevalence of clinically significant forms of alpha- and beta-thalassemia. Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for observational studies published January 1, 2000, to September 21, 2021. Of 2093 unique records identified, 69 studies reported across 70 publications met eligibility criteria, including 6 records identified from bibliography searches. Thalassemia prevalence estimates varied across countries and even within countries. Across 23 population-based studies reporting clinically significant alpha-thalassemia (e.g., hemoglobin H disease and hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis) and/or beta-thalassemia (beta-thalassemia intermedia, major, and/or hemoglobin E/beta-thalassemia), prevalence estimates per 100 000 people ranged from 0.2 in Spain (over 2014-2017) to 27.2 in Greece (2010-2015) for combined beta- plus alpha-thalassemia; from 0.03 in Spain (2014-2017) to 4.5 in Malaysia (2007-2018) for alpha-thalassemia; and from 0.2 in Spain (2014-2017) to 35.7 to 49.6 in Iraq (2003-2018) for beta-thalassemia. Overall, the estimated prevalence of thalassemia followed the predicted pattern of being higher in the Middle East, Asia, and Mediterranean than in Europe or North America. However, population-based prevalence estimates were not found for many countries, and there was heterogeneity in case definitions, diagnostic methodology, type of thalassemia reported, and details on transfusion requirements. Limited population-based birth prevalence data were found. Twenty-seven studies reported thalassemia prevalence from non-population-based samples. Results from such studies likely do not have countrywide generalizability as they tended to be from highly specific groups. To fully understand the global prevalence of thalassemia, up-to-date, population-based epidemiological data are needed for many countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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van Dijk MJ, de Wilde JRA, Bartels M, Kuo KHM, Glenthøj A, Rab MAE, van Beers EJ, van Wijk R. Activation of pyruvate kinase as therapeutic option for rare hemolytic anemias: Shedding new light on an old enzyme. Blood Rev 2023; 61:101103. [PMID: 37353463 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Novel developments in therapies for various hereditary hemolytic anemias reflect the pivotal role of pyruvate kinase (PK), a key enzyme of glycolysis, in red blood cell (RBC) health. Without PK catalyzing one of the final steps of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, there is no net yield of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during glycolysis, the sole source of energy production required for proper RBC function and survival. In hereditary hemolytic anemias, RBC health is compromised and therefore lifespan is shortened. Although our knowledge on glycolysis in general and PK function in particular is solid, recent advances in genetic, molecular, biochemical, and metabolic aspects of hereditary anemias have improved our understanding of these diseases. These advances provide a rationale for targeting PK as therapeutic option in hereditary hemolytic anemias other than PK deficiency. This review summarizes the knowledge, rationale, (pre)clinical trials, and future advances of PK activators for this important group of rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrthe J van Dijk
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Benign Hematology, Thrombosis and Hemostasis - Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Jonathan R A de Wilde
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marije Bartels
- Center for Benign Hematology, Thrombosis and Hemostasis - Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andreas Glenthøj
- Danish Red Blood Center, Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Minke A E Rab
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eduard J van Beers
- Center for Benign Hematology, Thrombosis and Hemostasis - Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Richard van Wijk
- Department of Central Diagnostic Laboratory - Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Yang T, Luo X, Liu Y, Lin M, Zhao Q, Zhang W, Chen Z, Dong M, Wang J, Wang Q, Zhang X, Zhong T. Next-generation sequencing analysis of the molecular spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi, China. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:77. [PMID: 37592328 PMCID: PMC10436446 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00520-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemia is an extremely prevalent monogenic inherited blood disorder in southern China. It is important to comprehensively understand the molecular spectrum of thalassemia in an area with such a high prevalence of thalassemia before taking appropriate actions for the prevention and treatment of this disorder. Herein, we explored the clinical feasibility of using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for large-scale population screening to illustrate the prevalence and spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi. METHODS Blood samples collected from 136,312 residents of reproductive age in Southern Jiangxi were characterized for thalassemia by NGS. A retrospective analysis was then conducted on blood samples determined to be positive for thalassemia. RESULTS In total, 19,827 (14.545%) subjects were diagnosed as thalassemia carriers, and the thalassemia prevalence rate significantly varied by geographical region (p < 0.001). A total of 40 α-thalassemia genotypes including 21 rare genotypes were identified, with -@-SEA/αα being the most prevalent genotype. 42 β-thalassemia genotypes including 27 rare genotypes were identified, with the most common mutation IVS II-654 C > T accounting for 35.257% of these β-thalassemia genotypes. Furthermore, 74 genotypes were identified among 608 individuals with combined α- and β-thalassemia. Notably, most individuals with rare thalassemia mutations had mildly abnormal hematologic parameters including microcytic hypochromia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the great heterogeneity and diverse spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi, emphasizing the importance and necessity of persistent prevention and control of thalassemia in this region. Additionally, our findings further suggest that NGS can effectively identify rare mutations and reduce the misdiagnosis rate of thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuemei Luo
- Ganzhou Municipal Health Commission, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Min Lin
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Qinfei Zhao
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratories, BGI-Shenzhen, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- BGI-Wuhan Clinical Laboratories, BGI-Shenzhen, Wuhan, China
| | - Minghua Dong
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Qi Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaokang Zhang
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
| | - Tianyu Zhong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China.
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Lin PC, Hsu WY, Lee PY, Hsu SH, Chiou SS. Insights into Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Thalassemia: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12654. [PMID: 37628834 PMCID: PMC10454908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is a heterogeneous congenital hemoglobinopathy common in the Mediterranean region, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia with increasing incidence in Northern Europe and North America due to immigration. Iron overloading is one of the major long-term complications in patients with thalassemia and can lead to organ damage and carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in both transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The incidence of HCC in patients with thalassemia has increased over time, as better chelation therapy confers a sufficiently long lifespan for the development of HCC. The mechanisms of iron-overloading-associated HCC development include the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation cytokines, dysregulated hepcidin, and ferroportin metabolism. The treatment of HCC in patients with thalassemia was basically similar to those in general population. However, due to the younger age of HCC onset in thalassemia, regular surveillance for HCC development is mandatory in TDT and NTDT. Other supplemental therapies and experiences of novel treatments for HCC in the thalassemia population were also reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chin Lin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yi Hsu
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
| | - Po-Yi Lee
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
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Diamantidis MD, Pitsava S, Zayed O, Argyrakouli I, Karapiperis K, Chatzoulis C, Alexiou E, Manafas A, Tsangalas E, Karakoussis K. Concomitant Presence of Hb Agrinio and - -Med Deletion in a Greek Male Patient with Hemoglobinopathy H: More Severe Phenotype and Literature Review. Hematol Rep 2023; 15:483-490. [PMID: 37606495 PMCID: PMC10443284 DOI: 10.3390/hematolrep15030050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) Agrinio is a rare non-deletional a-globin mutation observed almost exclusively in Greek, Spanish or other Mediterranean families. The clinical manifestations of a carrier of a single Hb Agrinio mutation (single heterozygosity) depend on the concomitant presence or absence of other mutations or variants in the beta, alpha or other modifying genes. We present a Greek patient harboring a Hb Agrinio variant plus the - -Med alpha deletional allele, having an infrequent severe form of alpha thalassemia, in contrast to the typical alpha thalassemic patient and requiring regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and chelation treatment. We also provide a concise literature review regarding alpha thalassemic hemoglobin variants and their molecular and clinical combinations. A phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial to determine the efficacy and safety of luspatercept (BMS-986346/ACE-536) for the treatment of anemia in adults with alpha thalassemia with the participation of our center is currently recruiting patients (NCT05664737).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Diamantidis
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Stefania Pitsava
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Omar Zayed
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Ioanna Argyrakouli
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Konstantinos Karapiperis
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Christos Chatzoulis
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Evangelos Alexiou
- Radiology Department, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Achilles Manafas
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
| | - Evangelos Tsangalas
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece; (S.P.); (O.Z.); (I.A.); (K.K.); (C.C.); (A.M.); (E.T.)
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Wang WD, Hu F, Zhou DH, Gale RP, Lai YR, Yao HX, Li C, Wu BY, Chen Z, Fang JP, Chen SJ, Liang Y. Thalassaemia in China. Blood Rev 2023; 60:101074. [PMID: 36963988 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Because of successful thalassaemia prevention programmes in resource-rich countries and it's huge population China now has the greatest number of new cases of thalassaemia globally as well as more people with thalassaemia than any other country. 30 million Chinese have thalassaemia-associated mutations and about 300,000 have thalassaemia major or intermedia requiring medical intervention. Over the past 2 decades there has been tremendous economic growth in China including per capita spending on health care. There is now nation-wide availability and partial or full insurance for prenatal genetic testing, RBC-transfusions, iron-chelating drugs and haematopoietic cell transplants. Prenatal screening and educational programmes have reduced the incidence of new cases. However, substantial challenges remain. For example, regional differences in access to medical care and unequal economic development require innovations to reduce the medical, financial and psychological burdens of Chinese with thalassaemia and their families. In this review we discuss success in preventing and treating thalassaemia in China highlighting remaining challenges. Our discussion has important implications for resource-poor geospaces challenged with preventing and treating thalassaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-da Wang
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dun-Hua Zhou
- Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Haematology Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yong-Rong Lai
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hong-Xia Yao
- Department of Hematology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Chunfu Li
- Nanfang-Chunfu Children's Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Taixin Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Bing-Yi Wu
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jian-Pei Fang
- Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Sai-Juan Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Yang Liang
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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Wiromrat P, Rattanathongkom A, Laoaroon N, Suwannaying K, Komwilaisak P, Panamonta O, Wongsurawat N, Nasomyont N. Bone Mineral Density and Dickkopf-1 in Adolescents with Non-Deletional Hemoglobin H Disease. J Clin Densitom 2023; 26:101379. [PMID: 37147222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2023.101379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low bone mineral density (BMD) is prevalent in individuals with β-thalassemia and is associated with increased circulating dickkopf-1 concentration. These data are limited in α-thalassemia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of low BMD and the association between BMD and serum dickkopf-1 in adolescents with non-deletional hemoglobin H disease, a form of α-thalassemia whose severity is comparable to β-thalassemia intermedia. METHODOLOGY The lumbar spine and total body BMD were measured and converted into height-adjusted z-scores. Low BMD was defined as BMD z-score ≤ -2. Participant blood was drawn for measurement of dickkopf-1 and bone turnover marker concentrations. RESULTS Thirty-seven participants with non-deletional hemoglobin H disease (59% female, mean age 14.6 ± 3.2 years, 86% Tanner stage ≥2, 95% regularly transfused, 16% taking prednisolone) were included. Over one year prior to the study, mean average pretransfusion hemoglobin, ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were 8.8 ± 1.0 g/dL, and 958 ± 513 and 26 ± 6 ng/mL, respectively. When participants taking prednisolone were excluded, the prevalence of low BMD at the lumbar spine and total body was 42% and 17%, respectively. BMD at both sites was correlated positively with body mass index z-score, and negatively with dickkopf-1 (all p-values <0.05). There were no correlations among dickkopf-1, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, osteocalcin and C-telopeptide of type-I collagen. Multiple regression analysis showed dickkopf-1 inversely associated with total body BMD z-score adjusting for sex, bone age, body mass index, pre-transfusion hemoglobin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, history of delayed puberty, type of iron chelator and prednisolone use (p-value = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a high prevalence of low BMD in adolescents with non-deletional hemoglobin H disease. Moreover, dickkopf-1 inversely associated with total body BMD suggesting it may serve as a bone biomarker in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattara Wiromrat
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
| | - Aree Rattanathongkom
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Napat Laoaroon
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kunanya Suwannaying
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Patcharee Komwilaisak
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Ouyporn Panamonta
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Nantaporn Wongsurawat
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Nat Nasomyont
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Agarwal AM, Rets AV. Molecular diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemias: Recent updates. Int J Lab Hematol 2023; 45 Suppl 2:79-86. [PMID: 37290893 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hereditary hemolytic anemia (HHA) is a heterogeneous group of disorders due to genetically caused defects in red blood cell membrane structure, enzymes, heme and globin synthesis, erythroid proliferation, and differentiation. Traditionally, the diagnostic process is complex and includes a plethora of tests from routine to highly specialized ones. The inclusion of molecular testing has significantly improved the diagnostic yield. The value of molecular testing is broader than just rendering the correct diagnosis, as it may also guide therapeutic decisions. As more molecular modalities become available for clinical use, it is imperative to understand their benefits and disadvantages pertaining to the HHA diagnostics. Re-evaluation of the traditional diagnostic workflow may also bring forth additional benefits. This review focuses on the current state of molecular testing for HHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana M Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Anton V Rets
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Tang HS, Xiong Y, Li DZ. Fetal Hemoglobin H Hydrops Fetalis: Another Three Case Reports. Hemoglobin 2023:1-3. [PMID: 37247248 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2023.2215445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We report three cases of fetalis hydrops associated with nondeletional α-thalassemia. Two cases were caused by hemoglobin (Hb) H-Quong Sz disease, and one caused by homozygous Hb Constant Spring. Fetal hydrops occurred in the late second trimester in all three cases. Our study indicates that for pregnancies at risk for fetal nondeletional Hb H disease, strict ultrasound follow-up is particularly important. Even without techniques of intrauterine transfusion treatment, early prenatal diagnosis can enable parents to make timely decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Shen Tang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan, Zhongshan, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan, Zhongshan, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Zhi Li
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Ning S, Qin Y, Liang Y, Liang Y, Xie Y, Lu Y, Wei G, Xu R, Liu Y, Li J. The frequency of HKαα allele in silent deletional α-thalassemia carriers in the Yulin region of southern China using the third-generation sequencing. Gene 2023; 875:147505. [PMID: 37217151 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES α-thalassemia is relatively prevalent in Yulin Region in southern China. In order to accurately detect α-globin gene aberrations for genetic counseling, the prevalence of HKαα (Hong Kong αα) allele in this subpopulation of silent deletional α-thalassemia were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1845 subjects were selected in Yulin Region from January 2021 to March 2021. Peripheral blood was collected from each participant for routine genetic analysis of thalassemia. The HKαα allele was determined using the Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) technology for samples with -α3.7/αα, βN/βN genotype. RESULTS Two samples were identified with HKαα allele from 100 samples with -α3.7/αα, βN/βN genotype. The frequency of HKαα allele was 2.0% (2/100) in -α3.7/αα, βN/βN carriers in Yulin Region. One sample was identified with a novel variant of the α-globin gene cluster named αHKαα by SMRT technology. One rare HBA2 variant and six HBB variants were found by SMRT technology, including -α3.7/HBA2:c.300+34G>A, HBB:c.316-45G>C/βN, HBB:c.315+180T>C/βN, HBB:c.316-179A>C/βN. CONCLUSION A certain proportion of HKαα allele had been detected in Yulin Region. SMRT technology plays a crucial role for improving the diagnostic accuracy and positive detection rate of thalassemia. The completion of this study has great meaning for strengthening the prevention and control of thalassemia in Yulin Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Ning
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yunrong Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yunning Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuling Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yinghong Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ruofan Xu
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Beijing, China
| | - Yinyin Liu
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Beijing, China
| | - Jihui Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yulin Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yulin,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
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Fjeld B, Sudmann-Day ÅA, Grimholt RM, Larstorp ACK, Urdal P, Klingenberg O. Additional value of red blood cell parameters in predicting uncommon α-thalassemia; experience from 10 years of α-globin gene sequencing and copy number variation analysis. Int J Lab Hematol 2023; 45:250-259. [PMID: 36567661 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.14010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnosis of rare forms of α-thalassemia requires laborious genetic analyses. Accurate sample selection for such evaluation is therefore essential. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the predictive power of red blood cell parameters to detect rare forms of α-thalassemia (substudy 1), and to explore the frequency of rare versus common forms of α-thalassemia in our sample population (substudy 2). METHODS In substudy 1, we reviewed all blood samples selected for extended α-hemoglobinopathy evaluation at our laboratory during 2011-2020 (n = 1217), which included DNA sequencing and/or copy number variation analysis. We assessed α-thalassemia positive samples at different levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) alone and in combination with results for red blood cell count (RBC) or red cell distribution width (RDW). In substudy 2, we examined the distribution of α-thalassemia genotypes for all samples submitted to a first-tier hemoglobinopathy evaluation at our laboratory during 2014-2020 (n = 6495). RESULTS In substudy 1, both RBC and RDW added predictive value in detecting rare forms of α-thalassemia in samples from adults and children. In adult samples with MCH ≤ 23 pg, the presence of erythrocytosis increased the detection rate from 27% to 74% as compared to non-erythrocytosis, while normal RDW increased the detection rate from 36% to 86% as compared to elevated RDW. In substudy 2, rare forms of α-thalassemia were detected in 12% of α-thalassemia positive samples. CONCLUSION Initial assessment of MCH, RBC, and RDW provided valuable predictive information about the presence of rare forms of α-thalassemia during hemoglobinopathy evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Fjeld
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Runa Marie Grimholt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Life Sciences and Health, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Cecilie Kjeldsen Larstorp
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Urdal
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Klingenberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
Clinical manifestations of α-thalassemia range from no symptoms to severe transfusion-dependent anemia. Alpha thalassemia trait is deletion of 1 to 2 α-globin genes, whereas α-thalassemia major (ATM; Barts hydrops fetalis) is the deletion all 4 α genes. All other genotypes of intermediate severity are categorized as HbH disease, a vastly heterogenous group. Clinical spectrum is classified as mild, moderate, and severe by symptoms and need for intervention. Anemia in prenatal period may be fatal without intrauterine transfusions. New therapies to modify HbH disease or provide cure for ATM are under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Lal
- UCSF School of Medicine, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, 747 52nd Street, Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
| | - Elliott Vichinsky
- UCSF School of Medicine, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, 747 52nd Street, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
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Abstract
Thalassemia syndromes are common monogenic disorders and represent a significant health issue worldwide. In this review, the authors elaborate on fundamental genetic knowledge about thalassemias, including the structure and location of globin genes, the production of hemoglobin during development, the molecular lesions causing α-, β-, and other thalassemia syndromes, the genotype-phenotype correlation, and the genetic modifiers of these conditions. In addition, they briefly discuss the molecular techniques applied for diagnosis and innovative cell and gene therapy strategies to cure these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Tesio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Torino, Regione Gonzole, 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy. https://twitter.com/nicolotesio
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ferraresi M, Panzieri DL, Leoni S, Cappellini MD, Kattamis A, Motta I. Therapeutic perspective for children and young adults living with thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Eur J Pediatr 2023:10.1007/s00431-023-04900-w. [PMID: 36997768 PMCID: PMC10257623 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Hemoglobinopathies, including thalassemias and sickle cell disease, are the most common monogenic diseases worldwide, with estimated annual births of more than 330,000 affected infants. Hemoglobin disorders account for about 3.4% of deaths in children under 5 years of age. The distribution of these diseases is historically linked to current or previously malaria-endemic regions; however, immigration has led to a worldwide distribution of these diseases, making them a global health problem. During the last decade, new treatment approaches and novel therapies have been proposed, some of which have the potential to change the natural history of these disorders. Indeed, the first erythroid maturation agent, luspatercept, and gene therapy have been approved for beta-thalassemia adult patients. For sickle cell disease, molecules targeting vaso-occlusion and hemoglobin S polymerization include crizanlizumab, which has been approved for patients ≥ 16 years, voxelotor approved for patients ≥ 12 years, and L-glutamine for patients older than 5 years. Conclusion: We herein present the most recent advances and future perspectives in thalassemia and sickle cell disease treatment, including new drugs, gene therapy, and gene editing, and the current clinical trial status in the pediatric populations. What is Known: • Red blood cell transfusions, iron chelation therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have been the mainstay of treatment of thalassemia patients for decades. • For sickle cell disease, until 2005, treatment strategies were mostly the same as those for thalassemia, with the option of simple transfusion or exchange transfusion. In 2007, hydroxyurea was approved for patients ≥ 2 years old. What is New: • In 2019, gene therapy with betibeglogene autotemcel (LentiGlobin BB305) was approved for TDT patients ≥ 12 years old non β0/β0 without matched sibling donor. • Starting from 2017 several new drugs, such as L-glutamine (approved only by FDA), crizanlizumab (approved by FDA and EMA for patients ≥ 16 years), and lastly voxelotor (approved by FDA and EMA for patients ≥ 12 years old).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ferraresi
- Unit of Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, via F. Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Lello Panzieri
- Unit of Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, via F. Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Leoni
- Unit of Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, via F. Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Unit of Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, via F. Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Motta
- Unit of Medicine and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, via F. Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Prus-Czarnecka Z, Fuenzy AI, Noga T, Lau VI. Methaemalbumin: a diagnostic surrogate for methaemoglobinaemia and treatment with red cell exchange in a patient with thalassaemia. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:16/3/e252885. [PMID: 36882261 PMCID: PMC10008374 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-252885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A man in his 30s with alpha thalassaemia (four-alpha globin gene deletion) presented with 1 week of shortness of breath and 1 month of general malaise. Pulse oximetry monitoring revealed low peripheral oxygen saturation of approximately 80% despite maximal high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (fractional inspired oxygen 1.0-60 L/min flow). Arterial blood gas samples were chocolate brown in colour, with a low arterial partial pressure of oxygen of 197 mm Hg. This large oxygen saturation gap raised suspicion for methaemoglobinaemia. However, the patient's co-oximetry results were suppressed by the blood gas analyser and delayed a definitive diagnosis. A methaemalbumin screen was sent instead, which was positive at 65 mg/L (reference interval: <3 mg/L). Treatment with methylene blue was initiated but did not result in complete resolution of cyanosis. This patient had been red cell exchange dependent since childhood for thalassaemia. Therefore, an urgent red cell exchange was initiated overnight, leading to an improvement in symptoms and interpretability of co-oximetry results. This resulted in rapid improvement without residual sequelae or complications. We conclude that a methaemalbumin screen can be used as a surrogate test for prompt confirmation of diagnosis in lieu of co-oximetry in cases of severe methaemoglobinaemia or in cases with underlying haemoglobinopathy. Red cell exchange can allow prompt methaemoglobinaemia reversal, especially if methylene blue is only partially effective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Issac Fuenzy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tom Noga
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vincent Issac Lau
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Geneen LJ, Dorée C, Estcourt LJ. Interventions for improving adherence to iron chelation therapy in people with sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 3:CD012349. [PMID: 36877640 PMCID: PMC9987409 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012349.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regularly transfused people with sickle cell disease (SCD) and people with thalassaemia are at risk of iron overload. Iron overload can lead to iron toxicity in vulnerable organs such as the heart, liver and endocrine glands, which can be prevented and treated with iron-chelating agents. The intensive demands and uncomfortable side effects of therapy can have a negative impact on daily activities and wellbeing, which may affect adherence. OBJECTIVES To identify and assess the effectiveness of different types of interventions (psychological and psychosocial, educational, medication interventions, or multi-component interventions) and interventions specific to different age groups, to improve adherence to iron chelation therapy compared to another listed intervention, or standard care in people with SCD or thalassaemia. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations & Global Theses, Web of Science & Social Sciences Conference Proceedings Indexes and ongoing trial databases (13 December 2021). We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register (1 August 2022). SELECTION CRITERIA For trials comparing medications or medication changes, only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion. For studies including psychological and psychosocial interventions, educational interventions, or multi-component interventions, non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs), controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series studies with adherence as a primary outcome were also eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For this update, two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included 19 RCTs and one NRSI published between 1997 and 2021. One trial assessed medication management, one assessed an education intervention (NRSI) and 18 RCTs were of medication interventions. Medications assessed were subcutaneous deferoxamine, and two oral chelating agents, deferiprone and deferasirox. We rated the certainty of evidence as very low to low across all outcomes identified in this review. Four trials measured quality of life (QoL) with validated instruments, but provided no analysable data and reported no difference in QoL. We identified nine comparisons of interest. 1. Deferiprone versus deferoxamine We are uncertain whether or not deferiprone affects adherence to iron chelation therapy (four RCTs, unpooled, very low-certainty evidence), all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 1.21; 3 RCTs, 376 participants; very low-certainty evidence), or serious adverse events (SAEs) (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.46; 1 RCT, 228 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Adherence was reported as "good", "high" or "excellent" by all seven trials, though the data could not be analysed formally: adherence ranged from 69% to 95% (deferiprone, mean 86.6%), and 71% to 93% (deferoxamine, mean 78.8%), based on five trials (474 participants) only. 2. Deferasirox versus deferoxamine We are uncertain whether or not deferasirox affects adherence to iron chelation therapy (three RCTs, unpooled, very low-certainty evidence), although medication adherence was high in all trials. We are uncertain whether or not there is any difference between the drug therapies in serious adverse events (SAEs) (SCD or thalassaemia) or all-cause mortality (thalassaemia). 3. Deferiprone versus deferasirox We are uncertain if there is a difference between oral deferiprone and deferasirox based on a single trial in children (average age 9 to 10 years) with any hereditary haemoglobinopathy in adherence, SAEs and all-cause mortality. 4. Deferasirox film-coated tablet (FCT) versus deferasirox dispersible tablet (DT) One RCT compared deferasirox in different tablet forms. There may be a preference for FCTs, shown through a trend for greater adherence (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.22; 1 RCT, 88 participants), although medication adherence was high in both groups (FCT 92.9%; DT 85.3%). We are uncertain if there is a benefit in chelation-related AEs with FCTs. We are uncertain if there is a difference in the incidence of SAEs, all-cause mortality or sustained adherence. 5. Deferiprone and deferoxamine combined versus deferiprone alone We are uncertain if there is a difference in adherence, though reporting was usually narrative as triallists report it was "excellent" in both groups (three RCTs, unpooled). We are uncertain if there is a difference in the incidence of SAEs and all-cause mortality. 6. Deferiprone and deferoxamine combined versus deferoxamine alone We are uncertain if there is a difference in adherence (four RCTs), SAEs (none reported in the trial period) and all-cause mortality (no deaths reported in the trial period). There was high adherence in all trials. 7. Deferiprone and deferoxamine combined versus deferiprone and deferasirox combined There may be a difference in favour of deferiprone and deferasirox (combined) in rates of adherence (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99) (one RCT), although it was high (> 80%) in both groups. We are uncertain if there is a difference in SAEs, and no deaths were reported in the trial, so we cannot draw conclusions based on these data (one RCT). 8. Medication management versus standard care We are uncertain if there is a difference in QoL (one RCT), and we could not assess adherence due to a lack of reporting in the control group. 9. Education versus standard care One quasi-experimental (NRSI) study could not be analysed due to the severe baseline confounding. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The medication comparisons included in this review had higher than average adherence rates not accounted for by differences in medication administration or side effects, though often follow-up was not good (high dropout over longer trials), with adherence based on a per protocol analysis. Participants may have been selected based on higher adherence to trial medications at baseline. Also, within the clinical trial context, there is increased attention and involvement of clinicians, thus high adherence rates may be an artefact of trial participation. Real-world, pragmatic trials in community and clinic settings are needed that examine both confirmed or unconfirmed adherence strategies that may increase adherence to iron chelation therapy. Due to lack of evidence this review cannot comment on intervention strategies for different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise J Geneen
- Systematic Review Initiative, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
| | - Carolyn Dorée
- Systematic Review Initiative, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
| | - Lise J Estcourt
- Haematology/Transfusion Medicine, NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford, UK
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Wang G, Zou S, Li J, Wang X, Wu H, Tao Z, Zhang Q, Xu X, Zhou Y. The diagnosis and molecular analysis of a novel 27.2 kb deletion causing α 0-thalassemia. Clin Biochem 2023; 116:20-23. [PMID: 36878345 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemia, one of the most prevalent monogenic diseases worldwide, is caused by an imbalance of α-like and non-α-like globin chain production. Copy number variations, which cause the most common genotype of α-thalassemia, can be detected by multiple diagnostic methods. CASE REPORT The proband was a 31-year-old female who was diagnosed with microcytic hypochromic anemia by antenatal screening. Hematological analysis and molecular genotyping were conducted on the proband and the proband's family members. Gap-polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and next-generation sequencing were used to detect potentially pathogenic genes. Familial studies and genetic analyses revealed a novel deletion of 27.2 kb located in the α-globin gene cluster (NC_000016.9: g. 204538_231777delinsTAACA). CONCLUSIONS We reported a novel α-thalassemia deletion and described the process of molecular diagnosis. The novel deletion extends the thalassemia mutation spectrum, which may be helpful in genetic counseling and clinical diagnosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- Zhuhai Institute of Medical Genetics, Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaomin Zou
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jialong Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingmin Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongqiu Wu
- Zhuhai Institute of Medical Genetics, Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhong Tao
- Guangzhou Jiexu Gene Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Innovative Research Center for Diagnosis and Therapy of Thalassemias, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuqiu Zhou
- Zhuhai Institute of Medical Genetics, Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China..
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Reboucas P, Fillebeen C, Botta A, Cleverdon R, Steele AP, Richard V, Zahedi RP, Borchers CH, Burelle Y, Hawke TJ, Pantopoulos K, Sweeney G. Discovery-Based Proteomics Identify Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Alterations as an Early Metabolic Defect in a Mouse Model of β-Thalassemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054402. [PMID: 36901833 PMCID: PMC10002226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although metabolic complications are common in thalassemia patients, there is still an unmet need to better understand underlying mechanisms. We used unbiased global proteomics to reveal molecular differences between the th3/+ mouse model of thalassemia and wild-type control animals focusing on skeletal muscles at 8 weeks of age. Our data point toward a significantly impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, we observed a shift from oxidative fibre types toward more glycolytic fibre types in these animals, which was further supported by larger fibre-type cross-sectional areas in the more oxidative type fibres (type I/type IIa/type IIax hybrid). We also observed an increase in capillary density in th3/+ mice, indicative of a compensatory response. Western blotting for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex proteins and PCR analysis of mitochondrial genes indicated reduced mitochondrial content in the skeletal muscle but not the hearts of th3/+ mice. The phenotypic manifestation of these alterations was a small but significant reduction in glucose handling capacity. Overall, this study identified many important alterations in the proteome of th3/+ mice, amongst which mitochondrial defects leading to skeletal muscle remodelling and metabolic dysfunction were paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carine Fillebeen
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Amy Botta
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Riley Cleverdon
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Alexandra P. Steele
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Vincent Richard
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - René P. Zahedi
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Christoph H. Borchers
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Yan Burelle
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Thomas J. Hawke
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Kostas Pantopoulos
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Gary Sweeney
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-736-2100 (ext. 66635)
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