Year: 2017
Type: review
Abstract: BACKGROUND: ) of the β-globin chains in the HbA molecule, resulting in accumulation of excess unbound α-globin chains that precipitate in erythroid precursors in the bone marrow and in the mature erythrocytes, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and peripheral haemolysis. Approximately 1.5% of the global population are heterozygotes (carriers) of the β-thalassemias; there is a high incidence in populations from the Mediterranean basin, throughout the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Melanesia to the Pacific Islands. AIM: The principal aim of this paper is to review, from a historical standpoint, our knowledge about an ancient disease, the β-thalassemias, and in particular, when, how and in what way β-thalassemia spread worldwide to reach such high incidences in certain populations. RESULTS: Mutations involving the β-globin gene are the most common cause of genetic disorders in humans. To date, more than 350 β-thalassaemia mutations have been reported. Considering the current distribution of β- thalassemia, the wide diversity of mutations and the small number of specific mutations in individual populations, it seems unlikely that β-thalassemia originated in a single place and time. CONCLUSIONS: Various processes are known to determine the frequency of genetic disease in human populations. However, it is almost impossible to decide to what extent each process is responsible for the presence of a particular genetic disease. The wide spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations could well be explained by looking at their geographical distribution, the history of malaria, wars, invasions, mass migrations, consanguinity, and settlements. An analysis of the distribution of the molecular spectrum of haemoglobinopathies allows for the development and improvement of diagnostic tests and management of these disorders.
Authors: Vincenzo De Sanctis, Christos Kattamis, Duran Canatan, Ashraf T Soliman, Heba Elsedfy, Mehran Karimi, Shahina Daar, Yasser Wali, Mohamed Yassin, Nada Soliman, Praveen Sobti, Soad Al Jaouni, Mohamed El Kholy, Bernadette Fiscina, Michael Angastiniotis
Institutions: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandria University, Ain Shams University, Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Ministry of Health and Population, Christian Medical College, King Abdulaziz University, NYU Langone Health, New York University
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics (clinical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $647
OpenAlex ID: W2589779391