Most of our physical characteristics are inherited through the genes we take from our parents; for example, the shape of our nose, the colour of our skin and eyes. We also inherit our haemoglobin (Hb) type from our parents, through the genes. Haemoglobin (Hb) is the substance in the blood which gives it its red colour. It carries the oxygen we breathe to all our body parts; it is vital for maintaining life. Without red blood cells, the body cannot function. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body is unable to make adequate hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is present in the red cells and is made from proteins. These proteins consist of alpha(α) and beta(β) chains. Normally 2 alpha and 2 beta chains are essential to form hemoglobin. Imbalances in these chains results in reduced red cell survival. The amount of beta and alpha chains a person makes is controlled by the haemoglobin gene they inherit from their parents. Normally red cells survive for 120 days but in Thalassemia red cell survival is reduced. Survival of Thalassemia patients depends upon repeated blood transfusion and costly medicines.
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 15:56:14 +0000
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