Hydroxyurea induction of fetal hemoglobin synthesis in sickle-cell disease.
In the past 8 years, it has become apparent that some cytotoxic drugs that interfere with DNA replication can reprogram erythroid progenitors to switch from adult hemoglobin to fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production. Hydroxyurea has now been shown to substantially increase HbF in patients with sickle cell anemia. Since HbF interferes with sickle hemoglobin polymerization, hydroxyurea may become an important therapeutic agent for patients with sickle cell anemia.
Dover
G J
GJ
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Charache
S
S
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin; D006918:Hydroxyurea