EFFECT OF ASSOCIATED ALPHA-THALASSEMIA AND ALPHA-GENE TRIPLICATION ONTHE HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BETA-THALASSEMIA HETEROZYGOTES AND NORMAL INDIVIDUALS

alpha-genotypes of 230 beta-thalassaemia heterozygotes and 100 normal individuals from different regions in India were determined by restric tion endonuclease analysis to evaluate the effect of the number of alp ha-genes on the haematological profile in these two groups. The presen ce of associated alpha-thalassaemia or alpha-gene triplication did not seem to affect haematological indices or haemoglobin A2 (HbA(2)) or f etal haemoglobin (HbF) levels in beta-thalassaemia heterozygotes. Howe ver, in the group of normal individuals, there was a significant incre ase in red blood cell count, coupled with decreases in MCV and MCH dep ending on the alpha-globin gene status. Five beta thalassaemia heteroz ygotes showing alpha gene triplication were asymptomatic.