Molecular heterogeneity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among the tribals in Western India.

摘要

To the Editor,Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an X-linked enzyme which catalyses the first step in the hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP) of glucose metabolism. A deficiency of this enzyme is known to affect around 400 million people worldwide and is characterized by considerable biochemical and molecular heterogeneity [1]. The Indian population is unique comprising of numerous non-tribal (caste) and tribal groups, each having their own characteristic physical, cultural and genetic background. The tribes practice strict endogamy and may be considered as a genetic isolate. G6PD deficiency was reported in India more than 40 years ago and the prevalence varies from 5.7% to 27.9% in different caste and tribal groups [2], However, the mutations causing G6PD deficiency among the tribal groups is not clearly understood.