Hemoglobin E

Hemoglobin E: features and properties

Hemoglobin E (HbE) is an abnormal type of hemoglobin that differs from normal hemoglobin A by replacing glutamic acid with lysine at position 26 of the hemoglobin beta chain. This hemoglobin is found in high frequency in the populations of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Hemoglobin E is a hereditary disease that is inherited according to the principle of autosomal recessive inheritance. This means that a person must inherit a gene from both parents in order for homozygosity for that gene to occur. Homozygosity for the HbE gene develops a mild form of hemolytic anemia - a condition in which a person has a lack of red blood cells in the body, which leads to fatigue, pale skin and other unpleasant symptoms.

However, heterozygous carriers of the HbE gene, who inherit the abnormal gene from only one parent, do not exhibit symptoms of hemolytic anemia, but can pass the HbE gene to their offspring.

Hemoglobin E has some characteristics that can affect human health. In particular, this type of hemoglobin can interact with other abnormal types of hemoglobin, such as hemoglobin C and hemoglobin T, which can lead to a more severe form of hemolytic anemia.

Diagnosis of hemoglobin E is carried out using hematological and biochemical tests. There are currently treatments for hemoglobin E-related hemolytic anemia, such as blood transfusions, iron therapy, and bone marrow transplantation.

In conclusion, hemoglobin E is an abnormal type of hemoglobin that can lead to the development of a mild form of hemolytic anemia. Despite this, many heterozygous carriers of the HbE gene do not show any symptoms and continue to live normal lives. To diagnose and treat hemolytic anemia associated with hemoglobin E, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo regular medical examinations.

Hemoglobins are heme-containing proteins, the main function of which is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide vice versa. Heme is the non-protein part of hemoglobin containing iron atoms that interact with oxygen and carbon dioxide with the participation of water protons. The existence of several types of hemoglobins is characteristic of higher vertebrates and humans. Animals and other organisms do not possess multiple hemoglobin systems; for example, pigs have multiple alleles of the gene encoding the human hemoglobin α1 chain, resulting in multiple genetic combinations. This distinguishes the hemoglobins of mammals from the hemoglobins of fish and insects, in which the ratio between the different types of protein remains constant. In total, humans have 4 alpha and 2 beta polypeptide chains.