The G_γ:A_γ ratios in the fetal hemoglobin of newborns of the man ethnic group and their γ-globin gene arrangements

Abstract

The G_γ:A_γ ratios of Hb F were determined in 331 newborn babies of the Man ethnic group in Liaoning Province, P.R. China, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; in 27 cases they were also determined by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that a high G_γ value (>80%) was present in four cases (1.21%) and low G_γ values (30-48%) in six cases (1.81%); not a single case with the A_γT [A_γ75(E19)Ile→Thr] chain was found. Gene mapping analysis demonstrated that two babies with high G_γ values had the -G_γ-G_γ-/-G_γ-A_γ- (0.60%), and two others the -G_γ-AG_γ-A_γ-/-G_γ-A_γ- (0.60%) arrangements. Two of the four babies with low G_γ values were identified as -A_γ-A_γ-/-G_γ-A_γ- (0.60%) and the other two as -GA_γ-/-G_γ-A_γ- (0.60%). The genotype -A_γ-A_γ- has not been reported before in Chinese.