"What is the Thalassemia Gene?"

Thalassemia Genes

Thalassemia genes refer to the causative genes of thalassemia, which are the primary reason for this condition. Thalassemia is an inherited disorder primarily caused by mutations or deletions in globin genes. The disease-causing genes for thalassemia are located on the 16th pair of chromosomes, encompassing genes for both the alpha and beta globin chains. Mutations in the alpha globin gene lead to alpha thalassemia, while mutations in the beta globin gene result in beta thalassemia. Both types of thalassemia belong to the category of hemolytic anemias.

Patients with thalassemia typically exhibit varying degrees of anemia, splenomegaly, and other symptoms. For individuals with mild thalassemia, specialized treatment is generally not required, and regular follow-ups suffice. However, patients with severe thalassemia necessitate therapeutic interventions such as blood transfusions and splenectomy. In families with a history of thalassemia, premarital screening and prenatal diagnosis are recommended to prevent the transmission of the disease to future generations. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate iron-rich foods like animal liver and lean meat is essential in daily life.

In summary, thalassemia genes encompass the alpha and beta globin chain genes that cause thalassemia. While mild cases often require no specific treatment beyond regular monitoring, severe cases necessitate interventions like blood transfusions and splenectomy.