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Haptoglobin Genotype, Haemoglobin and Malaria in Gambian Children
Author(s) -
Cox Sharon Elizabeth,
Doherty Conor,
Atkinson Sarah Helen,
Nweneka Chidi Victor,
Ghattas Hala,
Fulford Tony,
Rockett Kirk,
Kwiatkowski Dominic,
Prentice Andrew
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a1118-d
Subject(s) - haptoglobin , genotype , malaria , allele , red cell , biology , medicine , hemoglobin , immunology , genetics , gene
The objective was to retest our previous finding that the haptoglobin (Hp) 22 genotype is associated with a greater reduction in haemoglobin (Hb) between pre and post‐malarial season cross‐sectional surveys in rural Gambian children aged 12–72 months. Additionally, we conducted longitudinal active surveillance to detect febrile episodes between the surveys. Unlike previously, no overall reduction in Hb was observed (Hb = 106.1 vs 107.2 g/l, p=0.13, N=545). However, multivariate linear regression revealed differences in Hb over the season by Hp and Hb‐sickle (HbS) genotype (−2.20 g/l per copy of the Hp2 allele, p=0.043; HbAS vs HbAA + 3.13g/l, p=0.11, N=536). There was no effect of malarial episodes during follow‐up suggesting that, when effective treatment is given, Hb levels recover. Furthermore, no effect was observed for the A61‐C Hp promoter SNP, associated with the Hp2 allele, which elsewhere, we report to be associated with protection from clinical malarial episodes. Therefore the effect of the Hp2 allele appears to be independent of effects on malaria incidence but may affect Hb levels through increased oxidant stress and red cell turnover; which is currently being investigated. However, previously, the effect of Hp22 was independent of iron status or zinc protoporphyrin, and therefore iron availability for erythropoiesis, perhaps suggesting increased red cell turnover as the mechanism.