Hemoglobinopathy

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Overview

Hemoglobinopathy is a kind of genetic defect that results in abnormal structure of one of the globin chains of the hemoglobin molecule. Most common hemoglobinopathies include sickle-cell disease.

Symptoms

Most clinically significant hemoglobinopathies cause mild to acute anemia, in rare cases hemolytic anemia. Symptoms vary for the different diseases: in sickle cell disease the red blood cells tend to assume a different shape under anaerobic conditions, leading to organ damage and circulatory problems, while in thalassemia there is ineffective production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis).

Migration patterns

Migration patterns (Alkaline Electrophoresis)

In general on alkaline electrophoresis in order of increasing mobility are hemoglobins A2, E=O=C, G=D=S=Lepore, F, A, K, J, Bart's, N, I, and H.

In general a sickling test (sodium bisulfite) is performed on abnormal hemoglobins migrating in the S location to see if the red cells precipitate in solution.

Migration patterns (Acid Electrophoresis)

In general on acid electrophoresis in order of increasing mobility are hemoglobins F, A=D=G=E=O=Lepore, S, and C.

This is how abnormal Hgb variants are isolated and identified using these two methods. For example a Hgb G-Philadelphia would migrate with S on alkaline electrophoresis and would migrate with A on acid electrophoresis, respectively.

Common variants

Hb S
Hb C
Hb E
Hb D-Punjab
Hb O-Arab
Hb G-Philadelphia
Hb Hasharon
Hb Korle-Bu
Hb Lepore
Hb M