Iron status in black persons is not influenced by haptoglobin polymorphism.
Iron status in man is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. The molecular variation of haptoglobin is one of the genetic factors influencing iron status in Caucasians. Differences in iron metabolism between blacks and whites have been reported. We wanted to investigate the effect of haptoglobin polymorphism on iron status in blacks. We studied 300 African subjects who were apparently healthy with normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and with no increase in dietary iron because of traditional beer consumption. We determined haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes using starch gel electrophoresis and measured indirect iron status indices using standard methods. We compared iron status indices according to haptoglobin type. Ninety two individuals (31%) had Hp 1-1, 114 persons (38%) had Hp 2-1, 20 subjects (7%) had Hp 2-1(Modified) and 54 individuals (18%) had Hp 2-2 type. Haptoglobin was not detectable in 19 subjects and Hp 2-1(Johnson) was found in one subject. In both males and females, serum iron concentration, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation and ferritin concentration were not different with regard to Hp phenotype. These results suggest that haptoglobin phenotypic variation may not be a factor which influences iron status in black persons.
Kasvosve
Ishmael
I
Department of Chemical Pathology, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, Harare.
Gordeuk
Victor R
VR
Delanghe
Joris R
JR
Gomo
Zvenyika A R
ZA
Gangaidzo
Innocent T
IT
Khumalo
Hlosukwazi
H
Moyo
Victor M
VM
Saungweme
Thokozile
T
Mvundura
Elisha
E
Boelaert
Johan R
JR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044383:Black People / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006242:Haptoglobins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012737:Sex Factors
D006242:Haptoglobins; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron