High HbF in pregnancy is associated with the Xmn I polymorphism at the -158bp of the G gamma-globin gene.
HbF was measured in the peripheral blood of 354 women during the first trimester of pregnancy. In those (n = 6) with HbF > 3% and in 30 randomly selected pregnant women with normal HbF values, analysis of the G gamma content and the Xmn I polymorphism was performed. The frequency of the Xmn I polymorphism was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the group with high HbF (0.67) compared to the control group (0.10). The G gamma chain content evaluation revealed a newborn ratio in all 6 high HbF subjects. Six months after delivery, HbF was measured in all women with high HbF during pregnancy, revealing normal values. These results suggest that the presence of the Xmn I polymorphism is a strong inducer for the elevation of HbF during pregnancy.
Lolis
D
D
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece.
Georgiou
I
I
Loizou
P
P
Makrydimas
G
G
D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; D005260:Female; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis*; D005914:Globins / Q000235:genetics*; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000235:genetics
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D005914:Globins; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin; C028649:endodeoxyribonuclease XmnI; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific