title: Pharmacologic induction of fetal hemoglobin production.
abstract: Reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression is an important therapeutic option in adult patients with hemoglobin disorders. The understanding of the developmental regulation of γ-globin gene expression was followed by the identification of a number of chemical compounds that can reactivate HbF synthesis in vitro and in vivo in patients with hemoglobin disorders. These HbF inducers can be grouped in several classes based on their mechanisms of action. This article focuses on pharmacologic agents that were tested in humans and discusses current knowledge about the mechanisms by which they induce HbF.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0562, USA.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Atweh
authors.forename: Hassana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fathallah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001374:Azacitidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077209:Decitabine; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000187:drug effects*; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D055545:gamma-Globins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D055545:gamma-Globins; D000077209:Decitabine; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin; D001374:Azacitidine