Hemoglobin Riyadh-α₂β₂ (120 [GH3] Lys→Asn): A New Variant Found in Association with α-Thalassemia and Iron Deficiency

Abstract

On a field trip to Saudi Arabia (M. A. F. E. H.) in which the relationship between α-thalassemia and iron deficiency was studied, a fast moving hemoglobin variant was noted in a 30 year old Saudi Arabian woman. Analysis of the hemoglobin variant showed that the amino acid substitution was β120 Lys-Asn. This variant had not been described previously and has been named Hb Riyadh. There was also present an α-thalassemia and details are given of the imbalance of globin chain synthesis. It was possible to improve considerably the balance in vitro by the addition of hemin.