Hb Genotype Research Articles

Endocrine function and haemoglobinopathies: Relation between the sickle cell gene and circulating plasma levels of testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in adult males

Circulating plasma levels of testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were determined in adult Nigerian males who have haemoglobin (Hb) genotypes HbAA, AS, AC, SC and SS. The levels of the three hormones were significantly lower in homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS) compared to the other groups, whereas the levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone were significantly reduced in HbSC heterozygotes compared to HbAS heterozygotes only. These results are suggestive of an association of secondary hypogonadism with haemoglobin S disease.

Haematological levels in Jamaican infants

A longitudinal study of 300 infants from birth to 1 year of age was carried out in Kingston, Jamaica. Haemoglobin levels were estimated 7 times during the year and serum iron and total iron binding capacity once. Hb electrophoresis was performed. In singleton children with Hb genotype AA, AS, or AC, and of birthweight 2·5 kg or over, Hb levels were low after 3 months of age. These low levels were associated with iron deficiency, which was probably due to poor iron stores at birth followed by poor iron intake or absorption. It was not possible to determine whether folic acid deficiency or protein deficiency was also important. Hb levels varied with age, socioeconomic class, birthweight, sex, and rate of weight gain. The growth and health of 4 girls with homozygous sickle cell disease is mentioned.

The effects of Ka and Hb genotypes on blood electrolytes and haemoglobin in sheep.

Potassium and sodium concentrations and their ratios, and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentrations were estimated in the blood of 469 sheep of three breeds and their crosses. Some breed differences were statistically significant but cross breed values were like the means of the parental breeds. Estimates for the effects of the genotypes Ka (potassium level) and Hb (haemoglobin type), breeding, age, sex and management, and sample batch were isolated. The haemoglobin genotypes influenced the MCHC through variation in packed cell volume. The potassium genotypes had no such effect. After adjustment the estimates for red cell sodium were shown to be complementary to estimates for red cell potassium.