The First Case of Hb Groene Hart [α119(H2)Pro→Ser, CCT→TCT (α1)] Homozygosity Confirms That a Thalassemia Phenotype Is Associated with this Abnormal Hemoglobin Variant

Abstract

Hb Groene Hart [α119(H2)Pro→Ser, CCT→TCT (α1)] has been reported in heterozygotes of Moroccan origin and also in association with the common −α^3.7 deletion. In all cases, the mutated protein was not detectable but was apparently associated with a mild α-thalassemia (thal) phenotype, presumably due to a modification of the α-globin chain domain that is recognized by the a hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP). The present case of Hb Groene Hart homozygosity, confirms that the α-thal phenotype is associated with this α-globin chain. Hb Groene Hart must be quite frequent not only in Morocco but probably also among the northern African coastal population.

Keywords:

• α-Thalassemia (thal)
• Abnormal hemoglobin (Hb)
• α Hb stabilizing protein (AHSP)