Genetic predictions of life expectancy in southern Thai patients with β0‑thalassemia/Hb E

Abstract

The types of β-thalassemia mutations, α-thalassemia interactions, and Hb F-associated SNPs have been described in association with variable disease phenotypes. This study aimed to determine the updated spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations and evaluate the contribution of primary and secondary genetic modifiers and SNPs to disease severity, age at onset, and predicted life expectancy in southern Thai β-thalassemia patients. A total of 181 β-thalassemia patients were enrolled and 135 β 0 -thalassemia/Hb E patients without α-thalassemia interactions were divided into three categories according to disease severity, age at onset, and predicted life expectancy. A total of 16 β-thalassemia mutations were identified in this study, and the three most common β-thalassemia mutations accounted for 61.4% of all mutations. It was also found that the Xmn I polymorphism and rs2071348 were associated with age at onset and the predicted life expectancy. More than 82% of β 0 -thalassemia/Hb E patients with CC genotype ( Xmn I) were 3 years old or younger at onset. Additionally, >90% of the higher predicted life expectancy in β 0 -thalassemia/Hb E patients had the T allele of Xmn I. Therefore, genetic prediction for age at onset and life expectancy is beneficial and practical during prenatal diagnosis or newborn screening for better genetic counseling and optimal management.

Pharmacogenomics of Drugs Used in β-Thalassemia and Sickle-Cell Disease: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications

“…For instance, Tien Nguyen et al found that in β-thalassemia intermedia patients with various genotypes, the XmnI (G)gamma polymorphism at position −158 of the HBG2 promoter displayed a deep effect on fetal hemoglobin levels [99]. Furthermore, the XmnI rs7482144 polymorphism helps in the genetic prediction for age at onset and life expectancy of βthalassemia patients [100]. In addition, this polymorphism has been associated with high levels of HbF in Sickle-cell anemia [101,102].…”