title: Iron overload in subjects with beta-thalassaemia trait: role of idiopathic haemochromatosis gene.
abstract: We have characterized HLA antigens in subjects with beta-thalassaemia trait with and without iron overload. 50% of the cases with iron overload (v 18% of those without iron overload, P less than 0.01) are carriers of HLA-A3, the HLA antigen tightly linked to the IH allele. Thus, in a considerable number of these subjects, beta-thalassaemia and IH coexist. This association exerts a synergistic effect in inducing iron overload.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005796:Genes; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D015234:HLA-A Antigens; D015791:HLA-A3 Antigen; D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens; D015234:HLA-A Antigens; D015791:HLA-A3 Antigen; D015235:HLA-B Antigens; D007501:Iron