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'Ulya NM, Indrawati VN, Wulansari WT, Lesmana I, Handayani NSN. Mutation Spectrum of β-Globin Gene in Patients with β-Thalassemia at Tidar Hospital, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Hemoglobin 2023; 47:152-156. [PMID: 37605561 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2023.2244429] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia is genetic disorder characterized by β-globin chain deficiency resulting from mutations in the β-globin coding gene. Both the quantity and quality of blood produced will be impacted by this condition. The distribution of mutation causing thalassemia is vary across ethnic and different regions in Indonesia. This study aims to identify the variant mutation in patients with β-thalassemia at Tidar Hospital as representative samples of Javanese population, the largest ethnicity in Indonesia. Sixty-one blood samples were obtained from blood transfusion-dependent patients with β-thalassemia. Mutation was identified using ARMS and RFLP PCR-based methods, and inconclusive samples were subjected to DNA sequencing. Results showed that the mutation variants were Cd 26/IVSI-5 (G > C) 47.54%, Cd 26/Cd 35 16.30%, Cd 26/IVSI-1 (G > T) 11.47%, Cd 26/IVSI-2 4.91%, IVSI-5 (G > C)/Cd 40 3.27%; 1.63%; IVSI-5 (G > C)/IVSI-1 (G > A) 1.63%; IVSI-5 (G > C)/Cap + 1 1.63%; Cd 26/Cd 15 1.63%; Cd 26/Cd 30 1.63%. We also found three homozygous of IVSI-1 (G > T), IVSI-5 (G > C) 6.55%, and Cd 35 1.63%. The most prevalent alleles would be recommended to be used as part of screening for β-thalassemia in the Javanese ethnicity in Central Java, especially for families affected by thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafis Muhimmatul 'Ulya
- Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Indra Lesmana
- Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Thalassemia Research Group Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Niken Satuti Nur Handayani
- Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Thalassemia Research Group Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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2
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Xenophontos M, Minaidou A, Stephanou C, Tamana S, Kleanthous M, Kountouris P. IthaPhen: An Interactive Database of Genotype-Phenotype Data for Hemoglobinopathies. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e922. [PMID: 37359188 PMCID: PMC10289560 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Xenophontos
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anna Minaidou
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Coralea Stephanou
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stella Tamana
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Petros Kountouris
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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3
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Hassan S, Bahar R, Johan MF, Mohamed Hashim EK, Abdullah WZ, Esa E, Abdul Hamid FS, Zulkafli Z. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Third-Generation Sequencing (TGS) for the Diagnosis of Thalassemia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030373. [PMID: 36766477 PMCID: PMC9914462 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is one of the most heterogeneous diseases, with more than a thousand mutation types recorded worldwide. Molecular diagnosis of thalassemia by conventional PCR-based DNA analysis is time- and resource-consuming owing to the phenotype variability, disease complexity, and molecular diagnostic test limitations. Moreover, genetic counseling must be backed-up by an extensive diagnosis of the thalassemia-causing phenotype and the possible genetic modifiers. Data coming from advanced molecular techniques such as targeted sequencing by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and third-generation sequencing (TGS) are more appropriate and valuable for DNA analysis of thalassemia. While NGS is superior at variant calling to TGS thanks to its lower error rates, the longer reads nature of the TGS permits haplotype-phasing that is superior for variant discovery on the homologous genes and CNV calling. The emergence of many cutting-edge machine learning-based bioinformatics tools has improved the accuracy of variant and CNV calling. Constant improvement of these sequencing and bioinformatics will enable precise thalassemia detections, especially for the CNV and the homologous HBA and HBG genes. In conclusion, laboratory transiting from conventional DNA analysis to NGS or TGS and following the guidelines towards a single assay will contribute to a better diagnostics approach of thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syahzuwan Hassan
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Institute for Medical Research, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Rosnah Bahar
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Farid Johan
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | | | - Wan Zaidah Abdullah
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Ezalia Esa
- Institute for Medical Research, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | | | - Zefarina Zulkafli
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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Badawy SM, Morrone K, Thompson A, Palermo TM. Computer and mobile technology interventions to promote medication adherence and disease management in people with thalassemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 6:CD012900. [PMID: 31250923 PMCID: PMC6598413 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012900.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemia syndromes are inherited hemoglobin disorders that result when the synthesis of normal hemoglobin is lacking or significantly reduced. For people with thalassemia, long-term red blood cell transfusion remains the mainstay of therapy, which may lead to iron overload causing severe complications and damage in different body organs. Long-term iron chelation therapy is essential for people with thalassemia to minimize the ongoing iron-loading process. In addition, suboptimal adherence can increase adverse events associated with iron overload and result in increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization and cost of care. OBJECTIVES To identify and assess the effects of computer and mobile technology interventions designed to facilitate medication adherence and disease management in individuals with thalassemia, including:- evaluating the effects of using computer and mobile technology interventions for medication adherence and disease management on health and behavioral outcomes;- identifying and assessing the effects of computer and mobile technology interventions specific to different age groups (children, adolescents and adults) and type of modality (e.g. cell phone, the Internet). SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Web of Science Science & Social Sciences Conference Proceedings Indexes, IEEE Xplore and ongoing trial databases (22 February 2018). We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register (20 June 2019). We also searched for unpublished work in the abstract book of nine major conferences in the related field. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-RCTs comparing single- or multi-component interventions versus no intervention, placebo or standard care, with adherence to iron chelation as the primary outcome were eligible for inclusion. Non-randomized studies of interventions, controlled before-after studies, and interrupted-time-series studies were also eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three authors independently assessed study eligibility. If we had included any studies, we would have independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data; we planned to assess the quality of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We did not identify any eligible studies for inclusion in the review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Due to lack of evidence, we cannot comment on the efficacy or effectiveness of computer and mobile technology intervention strategies to promote disease management and adherence to iron chelation therapy in people with thalassemia.We concluded that RCTs are needed to examine a variety of computer and mobile technology intervention strategies that may be useful for promoting disease management and increasing adherence to iron chelation therapy in individuals with thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif M Badawy
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicinePaediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box #30ChicagoIllinoisUSAIL 60611
| | - Kerry Morrone
- Children's Hospital at MontefioreDepartment of Pediatric Hematology Oncology3415 Bainbridge AveBronxNew YorkUSANY 10467
| | - Alexis Thompson
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicinePaediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box #30ChicagoIllinoisUSAIL 60611
| | - Tonya M Palermo
- University of WashingtonAnesthesiology and Pain MedicineP.O. Box 5371, M/S CW‐8SeattleWashingtonUSA98145
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Theranostics of Genetic Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2019; 23:153-154. [DOI: 10.1007/s40291-019-00395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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6
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Elloumi-Zghal H, Chaabouni Bouhamed H. Genetics and genomic medicine in Tunisia. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2018; 6:134-159. [PMID: 29663716 PMCID: PMC5902400 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetics and genomic medicine in Tunisia.
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Kambouris ME. Population Screening for Hemoglobinopathy Profiling: Is the Development of a Microarray Worthwhile? Hemoglobin 2016; 40:240-6. [DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2016.1186686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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8
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The molecular spectrum and distribution of haemoglobinopathies in Cyprus: a 20-year retrospective study. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26371. [PMID: 27199182 PMCID: PMC4873807 DOI: 10.1038/srep26371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic diseases, posing a major public health challenge worldwide. Cyprus has one the highest prevalences of thalassaemia in the world and has been the first country to introduce a successful population-wide prevention programme, based on premarital screening. In this study, we report the most significant and comprehensive update on the status of haemoglobinopathies in Cyprus for at least two decades. First, we identified and analysed all known 592 β-thalassaemia patients and 595 Hb H disease patients in Cyprus. Moreover, we report the molecular spectrum of α-, β- and δ-globin gene mutations in the population and their geographic distribution, using a set of 13824 carriers genotyped from 1995 to 2015, and estimate relative allele frequencies in carriers of β- and δ-globin gene mutations. Notably, several mutations are reported for the first time in the Cypriot population, whereas important differences are observed in the distribution of mutations across different districts of the island.
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Finotti A, Breda L, Lederer CW, Bianchi N, Zuccato C, Kleanthous M, Rivella S, Gambari R. Recent trends in the gene therapy of β-thalassemia. J Blood Med 2015; 6:69-85. [PMID: 25737641 PMCID: PMC4342371 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s46256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are a group of hereditary hematological diseases caused by over 300 mutations of the adult β-globin gene. Together with sickle cell anemia, thalassemia syndromes are among the most impactful diseases in developing countries, in which the lack of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis have contributed to the maintenance of a very high frequency of these genetic diseases in the population. Gene therapy for β-thalassemia has recently seen steadily accelerating progress and has reached a crossroads in its development. Presently, data from past and ongoing clinical trials guide the design of further clinical and preclinical studies based on gene augmentation, while fundamental insights into globin switching and new technology developments have inspired the investigation of novel gene-therapy approaches. Moreover, human erythropoietic stem cells from β-thalassemia patients have been the cellular targets of choice to date whereas future gene-therapy studies might increasingly draw on induced pluripotent stem cells. Herein, we summarize the most significant developments in β-thalassemia gene therapy over the last decade, with a strong emphasis on the most recent findings, for β-thalassemia model systems; for β-, γ-, and anti-sickling β-globin gene addition and combinatorial approaches including the latest results of clinical trials; and for novel approaches, such as transgene-mediated activation of γ-globin and genome editing using designer nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carsten W Lederer
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Department of Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus ; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Haematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA ; Department of Cell and Development Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy ; Associazione Veneta per la Lotta alla Talassemia, Rovigo, Italy ; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara University, Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Kountouris P, Lederer CW, Fanis P, Feleki X, Old J, Kleanthous M. IthaGenes: an interactive database for haemoglobin variations and epidemiology. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103020. [PMID: 25058394 PMCID: PMC4109966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited haemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic diseases, with millions of carriers and patients worldwide. At present, we know several hundred disease-causing mutations on the globin gene clusters, in addition to numerous clinically important trans-acting disease modifiers encoded elsewhere and a multitude of polymorphisms with relevance for advanced diagnostic approaches. Moreover, new disease-linked variations are discovered every year that are not included in traditional and often functionally limited locus-specific databases. This paper presents IthaGenes, a new interactive database of haemoglobin variations, which stores information about genes and variations affecting haemoglobin disorders. In addition, IthaGenes organises phenotype, relevant publications and external links, while embedding the NCBI Sequence Viewer for graphical representation of each variation. Finally, IthaGenes is integrated with the companion tool IthaMaps for the display of corresponding epidemiological data on distribution maps. IthaGenes is incorporated in the ITHANET community portal and is free and publicly available at http://www.ithanet.eu/db/ithagenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Kountouris
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- * E-mail:
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Xenia Feleki
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - John Old
- Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Finotti A, Gambari R. Recent trends for novel options in experimental biological therapy of β-thalassemia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014; 14:1443-54. [PMID: 24934764 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.927434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION β-thalassemias are caused by nearly 300 mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to low or absent production of adult hemoglobin. Achievements have been recently obtained on innovative therapeutic strategies for β-thalassemias, based on studies focusing on the transcriptional regulation of the γ-globin genes, epigenetic mechanisms governing erythroid differentiation, gene therapy and genetic correction of the mutations. AREAS COVERED The objective of this review is to describe recently published approaches (the review covers the years 2011 - 2014) useful for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of β-thalassemia. EXPERT OPINION Modification of β-globin gene expression in β-thalassemia cells was achieved by gene therapy (eventually in combination with induction of fetal hemoglobin [HbF]) and correction of the mutated β-globin gene. Based on recent areas of progress in understanding the control of γ-globin gene expression, novel strategies for inducing HbF have been proposed. Furthermore, the identification of microRNAs involved in erythroid differentiation and HbF production opens novel options for developing therapeutic approaches for β-thalassemia and sickle-cell anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Biotechnology Centre of Ferrara University, Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia , Ferrara , Italy
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12
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Hb Famagusta--analysis of a novel δ-globin chain variant [HBD:c.60C>A] in four families with diverse globin genotypes. Ann Hematol 2014; 93:1625-7. [PMID: 24452365 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-013-1996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Jahangirian M, Taylor SJ. Profiling e-health projects in Africa: trends and funding patterns. INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/0266666913511478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a severe shortage of healthcare provision in Africa. e-Health, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support healthcare, may help to ease this problem. e-Health projects support a wide range of applications ranging from telemedicine to global research collaborations made possible via e-Infrastructures, worldwide systems of integrated advanced high performance networking and computing ICT. To try to understand the state of e-Health in Africa, this paper aims to create a picture and to present an analytical review of some of these initiatives in Africa. A review framework composed of multiple search methods is developed and applied to yield a broad coverage of e-Health projects over the African continent. Seven quantitative analyses on the projects are presented. Major observations include that there is a tendency for e-Health projects to grow in number in some African countries over time; that African countries with larger Gross National Incomes tend to attract more e-Health projects; that e-Health projects in Africa focus on telemedicine, health education and health-related research; that there is a wide range of funding bodies, some of which have a geographical focus, and that the number of m-Health projects has been rising sharply.
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Breda L, Rivella S, Zuccato C, Gambari R. Combining gene therapy and fetal hemoglobin induction for treatment of β-thalassemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2013; 6:255-64. [PMID: 23782080 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.13.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
β-thalassemias are caused by nearly 300 mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to a low or absent production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). Two major therapeutic approaches have recently been proposed: gene therapy and induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) with the objective of achieving clinically relevant levels of Hbs. The objective of this article is to describe the development of therapeutic strategies based on a combination of gene therapy and induction of HbFs. An increase of β-globin gene expression in β-thalassemia cells can be achieved by gene therapy, although de novo production of clinically relevant levels of adult Hb may be difficult to obtain. On the other hand, an increased production of HbF is beneficial in β-thalassemia. The combination of gene therapy and HbF induction appears to be a pertinent strategy to achieve clinically relevant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Breda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Papasavva TE, Lederer CW, Traeger-Synodinos J, Mavrou A, Kanavakis E, Ioannou C, Makariou C, Kleanthous M. A Minimal Set of SNPs for the Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis ofβ-Thalassaemia. Ann Hum Genet 2013; 77:115-24. [DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thessalia E. Papasavva
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia; Cyprus
| | - Carsten W. Lederer
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia; Cyprus
| | - Jan Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics; University of Athens; St. Sophia's Children's Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - Ariadne Mavrou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics; University of Athens; St. Sophia's Children's Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | - Emmanuel Kanavakis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics; University of Athens; St. Sophia's Children's Hospital; Athens; Greece
| | | | | | - Marina Kleanthous
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia; Cyprus
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Gambari R. Alternative options for DNA-based experimental therapy of β-thalassemia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:443-62. [PMID: 22413823 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.665047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Beta-thalassemias are caused by more than 200 mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to low or absent production of adult hemoglobin. Achievements have been made with innovative therapeutic strategies for β-thalassemias, based on research conducted at the levels of gene structure, transcription, mRNA processing and protein synthesis. AREAS COVERED The objective of this review is to describe the development of therapeutic strategies employing viral and non-viral DNA-based approaches for treatment of β-thalassemia. EXPERT OPINION Modification of β-globin gene expression in β-thalassemia cells has been achieved by gene therapy, correction of the mutated β-globin gene and RNA repair. In addition, cellular therapy has been proposed for β-thalassemia, including reprogramming of somatic cells to generate induced pluripotent stem cells to be genetically corrected. Based on the concept that increased production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is beneficial in β-thalassemia, DNA-based approaches to increase HbF production have been optimized, including treatment of target cells with lentiviral vectors carrying γ-globin genes. Finally, DNA-based targeting of α-globin gene expression has been applied to reduce the excess of α-globin production by β-thalassemia cells, one of the major causes of the clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- University of Ferrara, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioPharmaNet and Laboratory for the Development of Gene and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Ferrara, Italy.
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Patrinos GP, Al Aama J, Al Aqeel A, Al-Mulla F, Borg J, Devereux A, Felice AE, Macrae F, Marafie MJ, Petersen MB, Qi M, Ramesar RS, Zlotogora J, Cotton RGH. Recommendations for genetic variation data capture in developing countries to ensure a comprehensive worldwide data collection. Hum Mutat 2011; 32:2-9. [PMID: 21089065 PMCID: PMC3058135 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Developing countries have significantly contributed to the elucidation of the genetic basis of both common and rare disorders, providing an invaluable resource of cases due to large family sizes, consanguinity, and potential founder effects. Moreover, the recognized depth of genomic variation in indigenous African populations, reflecting the ancient origins of humanity on the African continent, and the effect of selection pressures on the genome, will be valuable in understanding the range of both pathological and nonpathological variations. The involvement of these populations in accurately documenting the extant genetic heterogeneity is more than essential. Developing nations are regarded as key contributors to the Human Variome Project (HVP; http://www.humanvariomeproject.org), a major effort to systematically collect mutations that contribute to or cause human disease and create a cyber infrastructure to tie databases together. However, biomedical research has not been the primary focus in these countries even though such activities are likely to produce economic and health benefits for all. Here, we propose several recommendations and guidelines to facilitate participation of developing countries in genetic variation data documentation, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive worldwide data collection. We also summarize a few well-coordinated genetic data collection initiatives that would serve as paradigms for similar projects. Hum Mutat 31:1–8, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Foetal haemoglobin inducers and thalassaemia: novel achievements. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2010; 8:5-7. [PMID: 20104272 DOI: 10.2450/2009.0137-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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