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 β⁰-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 XmnI polymorphism and rs2071348 were associated with age at onset and the predicted life expectancy. More than 82% of β⁰-thalassemia/Hb E patients with CC genotype (XmnI) were 3 years old or younger at onset. Additionally, >90% of the higher predicted life expectancy in β⁰-thalassemia/Hb E patients had the T allele of XmnI. 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.

SUBMITTER: Nuinoon M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9112403 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature