Abnormal hemoglobins in the Silk Road region of China

摘要

A review is presented of the occurrence of 24 abnormal hemoglobins (13 α-chain variants and 11 β-chain variants) in populations in the Silk Road area of Northwestern China. Most frequently occurring were Hb D-Punjab β21(GH4)Glu→Gln in Uygurs, Kazaks, and Khalkhas, Hb G-Taipei β22(B4)Glu→Glyin persons of the Han nationality, and Hb G-Coushatta β22 (B4)Glu→Ala in the Uygurs, Kazaks, Hans, and related nationalities. The data suggest that these variants likely originated in Central Asia, in the Han nationality of China, and in the minorities of northern China, respectively. Other variants occurred at considerably lower frequencies and were imported from other countries or arose as independent mutations. Two variants Hb Tashikuergan or α19(AB1)Ala→Glu; Hb Tianshui or β39(C5) Gln→Argwere observed for the first time. The data from this study of the many variants support the movements of various populations in this area, as reported in numerous hist